BY JASON PEAKE
When the Webb City Cardinals take the field tonight at Cardinal Stadium, they'll attempt to secure a 19th straight district championship.
To keep that impressive streak alive, the Cardinals will have to knock off the surging Neosho Wildcats for a second time this season.
The Class 4 District 6 crown will be up for grabs when top-seeded Webb City (11-0) hosts second-seeded Neosho (8-3) at 7 this evening.
"We're happy that have an opportunity play for district championship," coach Leon Miller said. "We know Webb City is a good football team. We respect themlike any opponent and we're looking forward to the challenge. We'll have to bring our A game and play tough for four quarters."
Tonight's winner will advance to the quarterfinals against either Camdenton or St. Francis Borgia.
Webb City defeated Neosho 41-0 on Sept. 7.
"What happened in Week 3 won't have any impact on what happens on Friday," Webb City coach John Roderique said. "You can see on film how much better they are as far as execution of their offense and defense. They're playing at a high level right now. I'd like to think that we're an improved football team, too. I guess we'll find out."
"We didn't play our best game the last time we played them," Miller said. "We put ourselves in some bad situations and things snowballed. We're not making the mistakes we were
making early in the season. Our O-line has gelled. We're seasoned. I think we've improved in a lot of areas."
The results back up Miller's claim, as the Wildcats are riding a fivegame winning streak, including last week's 35-7 win over Marshfield. Neosho's losses have come to Webb City, Carthage and Joplin, teams with a combined record of 29-3.
The Wildcats are scoring 22 points per game and allowing 17. Junior quarterback Gage Kelley directs Neosho's run-heavy offense, while seniors Donnie Fox and Cade Lyerla are top running threats. Tight end/linebacker Tre Letts hauled in a touchdown pass last week.
"Neosho has the ability to pound the ball at you and really move the chains," Roderique said. "They're really hard to stop. Our defense needs to get itself off the field."
Currently on a 26-game winning streak after last Friday's 54-7 win over Carl Junction, the defending state champion Cardinals are averaging 43 points per game and giving up just 10 a night.
"Taking care of the football and not turning it over is going to be a big key on Friday," Roderique said.
Senior Cade Beason leads Webb City's offense, as the dual-threat quarterback has passed for 700 yards and nine touchdowns while also rushing for 446 yards and six scores. Beason did not play in the first meeting between the two teams, as he was injured.
Senior Durand Henderson (1,142 yards, 20 TD) and sophomore Devrin Weathers(947, 11 TD) are Webb
City's leading rushers, while senior Alex Gaskill (306 yards, 6 TD) and junior Terrell Kabala (294, 4 TD) are top receivers.
Both coaches noted that sustaining offensive drives will be a key to success.
"Neosho's a physical team that wants to run the ball, so it's a game where the line of scrimmage is going to be very important," Roderique said. "The defensive line can't get knocked off the ball. And Neosho has a stout defense, so on both sides of the ball it's going to be a battle at the line of scrimmage."
Miller had a similar assessment.
"We have to take care of the football and make the most of our opportunities," Miller said. "That's all there is to it. We just want to go out, play hard and play well. Our kids are excited for the opportunity and the experience."
Joplin Globe 11/09/2018 (Used be permission)