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Month: September 2023

SOFTBALL ROUNDUP: Carthage nips Nixa; Neosho blanks Ozark; Webb City comes from behind; Anderson, Miller lead Willard past Joplin

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

CARTHAGE 1, NIXA 0

CARTHAGE, Mo. — Thursday’s Central Ozark Conference softball clash between Carthage and Nixa was a classic pitcher’s duel.

The game’s lone run scored in the bottom of the fourth inning when Carthage’s Shelby Hegwer hit an RBI single to center, scoring Lottie Youngblood.

Both pitchers kept the opposition in check, as the Tigers and Eagles recorded just four hits apiece.

Recording one hit apiece for Carthage were Lexa Youngblood, Alexis Smith, Aven Willis and Hegwer.

Carthage’s Addie Wallace earned the complete-game shutout on 66 pitches, striking out three and walking none.

Nixa’s Bri Chilton, who struck out nine and walked two in six innings, took the hard-luck loss.

Rylee Harper had three of Nixa’s four hits. 

The Tigers improved to 14-9 and 5-1 in conference play.

Carthage hosts Nevada (13-6) on Monday.

 

NEOSHO 8, OZARK 0

NEOSHO, Mo. — Neosho used crooked numbers in the second, fifth and sixth innings on the way to a Central Ozark Conference win on Thursday. 

Carleigh Kinnaird earned the complete-game win in the circle after pitching seven scoreless innings on two hits, two walks and 10 strikeouts.

Kendall McCoy took the loss after allowing five runs, two earned, on six hits, four walks and five strikeouts in five innings.

Beclynn Garrett highlighted the three-run second inning with a two-run single to up the middle.

Journey Arnall singled through the right side to drive in a run in the fifth inning before Avyn Blair followed with a run-scoring single to center field for a 5-0 lead.

Kynden Smith, who walked with the bases loaded in the second inning, picked up her second RBI of the game after driving in a run on a groundout before Garrett doubled to right field plate a run. Kinnaird singled to right for an RBI in the next at-bat to push the lead to 8-0.

Garrett finished with two hits, three RBI and a run scored, while Kinnaird had two hits and an RBI. Abby Hart, Olivia Emery all had hits and scored a run. Blair had one hit, drove in one and scored once.

Neosho (18-5, 5-1 COC) hosts Glendale on Friday.

 

WEBB CITY 12, REPUBLIC 3

WEBB CITY, Mo. — Webb City overcame an early deficit and got the bats going in a big way to earn a convincing 12-3 victory over Republic on Thursday in Central Ozark Conference action.

Trailing 3-0 after the top of the third inning, the Cardinals scored 12 unanswered runs.

Webb City is now 13-7 overall and 3-3 in the COC. 

Republic’s Lilli Richerson hit an RBI double in the second before Paige Elsenraat smacked a two-run homer in the third to give the Tigers a 3-0 lead.

But the Cardinals scored six runs in the bottom of the third to take the lead for good.

In the big inning, Kylee Sargent’s RBI double, a Republic error and Rilley Hanes’ bases-loaded walk tied the game before Addie Brown’s bases-clearing double to center gave the hosts a three-run lead.

Webb City added two runs in the fourth on run-scoring singles from Alex Maturino and Jensyn Pickett.

Sydney Strickland’s RBI double in the fifth and Karsyn Cahoon’s two-run homer and Brown’s RBI single in the sixth gave the Cardinals a 12-3 lead.

Brown drove in four runs on two hits, while Lily Hall, Maturino and Hanes scored two runs apiece.

Laney Taylor started for Webb City and allowed three runs on four hits in three innings to earn the win. Makenzie Wynn tossed three scoreless innings in relief, while Addie Burns pitched the seventh.

Republic’s Kara Goeke took the loss after allowing 12 runs, six earned, on 10 hits and five walks in six innings.

Webb City will compete at this weekend’s UCM Tournament in Warrensburg.

 

WILLARD 13, JOPLIN 1 (5 INNINGS)

Reece Anderson and Alyson Miller combined to drive in 10 runs as the catalyst for Willard’s win over Joplin in five innings on Thursday at the JHS Athletic Complex.

DeLaney Dixon earned the complete-game win after allowing one unearned run on six hits, two walks and a strikeout in five innings.

Ava Wolf took the loss after allowing eight runs on eight hits, three walks and three strikeouts in three innings.

Anderson got Willard on the board in the second inning with a two-out double inside the third-base bag to plate a run before Miller followed with a two-out, two-run homer to give the Tigers a 3-0 lead.

Anderson and Miller struck again in the fourth to give the Tigers a commanding lead. Anderson singled to left to bring home a run and load the bases. In the next at-bat, Miller unloaded the bases with a grand slam to right field to push the Willard advantage to 8-0.

Anderson struck again in the top of the fifth when she rapped a single to left-center field with the bases loaded to plate a pair of runs for a 10-0 lead. Ossie Cooper added a sacrifice fly and Alivia Arauz doubled to right-center to score two runs for a 13-0 lead.

Joplin got on the board in the bottom of the fifth when Abby Lowery singled to right field to bring home a run.

Anderson finished with three hits, four RBI and three runs scored, while Miller homered twice on the way to six RBI and three runs scored. Kenadie Johnson had two hits and scored three times, while Payton Hicks had two hits and scored twice.

Lowery had two hits and drove in a run, while Bailey Ledford doubled and scored a run for Joplin at the plate. Jadyn Pankow, Riley Kelly and Wolf also had hits for the Eagles.

Joplin (11-9, 3-3 COC) takes part in the Liberty Summer Slam softball tournament over the weekend.

FOOTBALL: Joplin area features six state-ranked teams

Posted on by Jason Peake

As Week 5 of the 2023 prep football season arrives on Friday night, the Joplin area features six state-ranked squads. 

Joplin is ranked 10th in Class 6. The Eagles, who are coming off a 38-21 loss to Webb City, are now 3-1.

The Eagles, who have been plagued by injuries, have another big matchup this Friday at Junge Field. Joplin hosts undefeated Nixa, a team ranked fourth in Class 6.

After three straight wins following a Week 1 setback to Nixa, Webb City is now ranked second in Class 5.

Cardinal Ritter (4-0) is the top-ranked team in the Missouri Media’s Class 5 poll. Also of note, Republic, a team that Webb City beat 42-21 in Week 3, is now ranked eighth in Class 5.

Webb City hosts Ozark (1-3) this Friday at Cardinal Stadium.  

The lone regional school ranked in Class 4 is Nevada. 

The Tigers (4-0) have a huge Big 8 matchup this week, as they’ll host Class 3 No. 7 Mount Vernon (4-0) on Friday night in a showdown of undefeated squads. 

After a 28-14 win over Lamar last Friday, Seneca is now ranked second in Class 3. Blair Oaks (4-0) is the top-ranked team in Class 3.

Seneca (4-0) hosts Monett (0-4) this Friday. 

Despite last week’s loss to the Indians, the Lamar Tigers (3-1) are still ranked first in the Class 2 poll. 

Lamar is at East Newton (1-3) this week.

Although they have yet to crack the 8-Man football state rankings, the College Heights Cougars are off to a 3-1 start to the ’23 season after last week’s 54-52 come from behind win over Liberal (with Bronaugh).

Like several of our local schools, College Heights has a big game this week, as the Cougars travel to ninth-ranked Appleton City (3-1) on Friday night. 

In other games this week of local interest, Carthage (1-3) is at Neosho (0-4), Carl Junction (1-3) hosts Branson (1-3) and McDonald County (2-2) entertains Cassville (3-1). 

Check back at www.somo-sports.com on Friday night to see scores and stories related to our area squads.

SOFTBALL: Carthage knocks off Branson

Posted on by Lucas Davis

 

CARTHAGE, Mo. — Carthage erased a two-run deficit with two runs of its own in the third inning before adding three runs in the fifth and four in the sixth en route to a 9-3 win over Branson in Central Ozark Conference action on Tuesday.

Addie Wallace earned the win in the circle after allowing three runs on 10 hits and five strikeouts in seven innings.

Kaleah Morrison took the loss after allowing five runs on nine hits, five walks and a strikeout in 4 1/3 innings.

Lottie Youngblood homered twice for Carthage, drove in four runs and scored three times. A Smith had three hits, drove in one and scored once. Jenna Calhoon doubled twice and tallied four RBI.

Carthage (13-9, 4-1 COC) hosts Nixa on Thursday.

VOLLEYBALL: Thomas Jefferson knocks off McAuley; College Heights tops Exeter

Posted on by Lucas Davis

 

Thomas Jefferson earned a 25-11, 25-11 and 25-17 win over McAuley Catholic in Ozark 7 Conference play.

The sweep gives the Cavaliers a 13-3 record this season and a 3-0 mark in conference play.

Lannah Grigg had seven kills, seven aces and three blocks, while Gabbi Hiebert had two digs, six kills and four blocks. Macie Shifferd had eight kills and two aces, while Mary Nguyen finished with 15 assists, an ace, a kill and a dig. Maggie Sutton had 10 digs, while Leah Studer had five assists. Alexis Stamps had three kills for Thomas Jefferson.

Thomas Jefferson hosts Southwest on Thursday.

 

COLLEGE HEIGHTS 3, EXETER 0

College Heights rolled to a straight set win over Exeter on Tuesday, as the Cougars earned a 25-13, 25-14, 25-11 win.

Maddy Colin had 31 assists and five aces, while Lilly Plassman compiled 11 digs and four aces and Bailey Peeples had 17 kills.

Toryn Fink contributed eight kills and Allie Stout had three aces.

College Heights (8-7-3) is at Golden City on Monday.

 

OTHER SCORES

East Newton defeated Wheaton 25-22, 22-25, 25-9 and 25-13 on Tuesday.

BOYS SWIMMING: Eagles, hosts Cardinals perform well at Webb City Duals

Posted on by Jason Peake

Webb City’s boys swim team hosted a dual meet on Tuesday, with Joplin, Monett and West Plains competing alongside the Cardinals. 

Joplin coach Aaron Stump noted his squad performed well.

“It was a good meet,” Stump told SoMo Sports. “We won two relays and had Nathan Wardlow, Isaiah Thom and Ian Vermillion place first in individual events. In our head-to-head dual results, it was close, but we outscored all three of the opposing schools.”

Joplin’s 200-yard medley relay team of Wardlow, Jackson Mordica, Parker Hinman and Vermillion took first with a time of 1:50.

The Eagles were also first in the 200 freestyle relay, as Vermillion, Hinman, Thom and Wardlow recorded a time of 1:41. 

Individually, Wardlow won two events, the 200 freestyle in 1:55 and the 500 free in 5:13. 

Thom took first in the 100 freestyle in 58.56 seconds and Vermillion won the 100 backstroke (1:06) and also took second in the 100 butterfly (1:02). 

Finishing third in their events were Jackson Mordica (200 IM, 100 breaststroke) and Thom (50 freestyle).

The Eagles finished fourth in the 400 freestyle relay, with Owen Mordica, Thom, Jordan Goins and Jackson Mordica competing.

Webb City won the 400 free relay in 3:57, with Steve Kenlee, Cole Dalton, Adrien Black and Aiden Patterson competing.

Webb City’s Micah Brouwer won the 100 breaststroke in 1:10 and Grant Humphrey won the 1-meter diving competition.

The Cardinals were second in the 200 freestyle relay, with Kenlee, Patterson, Black and Brouwer competing.

Dalton was the runner-up in the 100 freestyle, while Dalton Spencer took second in the 200 IM and Black finished second in the 200 free and third in the 500 free.

Webb City’s team of Dalton, Brouwer, Spence and Dagan Chacon finished third in the 200 medley relay.

Kenlee placed third in the 200 free.

Monett’s Jayden Apostol finished second in the 50 freestyle and third in the 100 fly.  

 

Webb City Duals

Webb City 87, West Plains 82

Webb City 103, Monett 61

Joplin 87, Webb City 79

Joplin 86, West Plains 81

Joplin 96, Monett 60

West Plains 99, Monett 64

 

VOLLEYBALL: Carl Junction beats Webb City in battle of state-ranked teams

Posted on by Lucas Davis

 

CARL JUNCTION, Mo. — It is always entertaining when Carl Junction and Webb City meet on the volleyball court and Tuesday’s matchup was no different.

Carl Junction’s Kylie Scott earns a kill in the Bulldogs’ win over rival Webb City on Tuesday. Photo by Israel Perez.

No. 10 Carl Junction went on the road and earned a 25-23, 22-25, 26-24 and 25-23 win in four sets against conference, district and area rival No. 3 Webb City on Tuesday inside the Cardinal Dome.

“We haven’t beaten them in two years, so this was a good step forward for us and, simply, the mentality of our kids,” Carl Junction coach Cheryl Sharples said. “I was really proud of our kids. They had a game plan, stuck to it and executed the things we needed to.”

“We definitely were not playing up to our potential,” Webb City coach Rhonda Lawrence said. “We allowed them to cause us to make errors, and that’s what it comes down to. In volleyball, you’re trying to make the other team screw up and (Carl Junction) did a great job of that. We didn’t execute on offense or defense the way we had planned on and were not playing like we can. If you are not going to show up playing your best against a rival team, you’re going to lose every time.”

Carl Junction took early control in the first set and never relinquished it. The Bulldogs started on a 5-1 advantage thanks to two kills and a block from Karissa Chase as well as an ace from Aubreigh Fowler.

Playing with the lead, Carl Junction rode the striking prowess of senior Kylie Scott, who tallied six kills and a block on the way to giving the Bulldogs a 21-16 advantage late.

“Our bigs were really key,” Sharples said of the first set. “Both Rissa and Kylie had a good game, but I was really proud of Aubreigh Fowler, who came around and had a nice game for us. Our middles were working hard. We need to figure out how to get them a little more offensively involved, but every kid was out there working hard for us.”  

Webb City’s Jaeli Rutledge earns a kill during the Cardinals’ matchup with rival Carl Junction on Tuesday. Photo by Israel Perez.

Webb City got consecutive kills from Jaeli Rutledge and Mia Lenker to trim the deficit to two, 23-21. 

After both teams traded sideouts, Carl Junction’s Jocelyn Wengert earned a kill from the back, middle to seal the first-set win in favor of the Bulldogs.

It was neck and neck in the second set until a sideout kill from Jadyn Howard followed by a three-point service run from Scott gave CJ the first five-point lead of the set, with the Bulldogs up 19-14.

Webb City rallied hard, using a sideout kill from Kirra Long and four points in service from Aubree Lassiter to tie things up at 19s. Scott and Makayla Mayes traded sideout kills before Rutledge added a block and a kill to give the Cardinals their first real advantage, 22-20.

Webb City didn’t waver in the final moments of the second set to tie it up at 1-1.

The third set was filled with unforced errors on both sides that saw Carl Junction take an early lead that turned into a 16-12 advantage off a kill from Abigail Wilson.

Carl Junction’s Aubreigh Fowler earns a tip kill during the Bulldogs’ win over the Cardinals on Tuesday. Photo by Israel Perez.

A kill from Lassiter gave Webb City service, with Long ripping off seven straight points to rally the Cardinals all the way back to a 20-16 advantage. Lenker had three kills in the run, which also featured a pair of aces by Long.

Scott earned a kill to force a sideout and added a block and another kill during Howard’s service run to tie things up at 20-all. 

After the Cardinals went up two, Carl Junction scored six of the last eight points, including a kill from Fowler and an ace by Miya Carnes to clinch the 26-24 win.

“There was just a lot of grit,” Sharples said of her team’s play in the third set. “They refocused on the process of the game, the fundamentals, and how to get things done.”

“I felt like we walked right back out there in the fourth set and had a lot of confidence like, ‘we’re going to win this.’ I felt like that was our mentality throughout that entire fourth set. They believed they were going to win it, and they were ready to fight for it.”

Carl Junction took advantage of a three-point service run from Scott to build an 11-5 lead in the fourth and final set. Scott, Fowler and Sara Buchele all had kills in the run.

Webb City’s Kirra Long strikes the ball during the Cardinals’ loss to Carl Junction. Photo by Israel Perez.

A four-point run in service later in the set by Wilson that featured an ace put Carl Junction on top 17-9 before Webb City countered with a four-point service run from Jadyn Catterson to trim the deficit to 18-15.

After trading sideouts, Carl Junction took a 22-16 lead on Howard’s serve, which saw a kill from Scott before a sideout kill from Lassiter and three service points from Savannah Crane cut the Cardinals’ deficit to 22-20. 

Both teams traded sideouts until Fowler’s kill was followed by an attack error on Webb City to end the set and match.

STATS

Scott finished with 20 kills, 12 digs and three blocks, while Chase had 10 kills, four blocks and three digs. Miya Carnes finished with 41 assists and 13 digs, with Wilson leading the team with 21 digs. 

Rutledge finished with 12 kills, three digs and two blocks, while Lassiter had 10 kills, 11 digs and three blocks. Sophia Crane led the team with 22 digs, while Savannah Crane led Webb City with 23 assists.

UP NEXT

Carl Junction (10-2, 2-0 COC) hosts Nixa on Thursday.

Webb City (9-2, 1-1 COC) hosts Willard on Thursday.

 

VOLLEYBALL: Carthage keeps home winning streak alive with clean sweep

Posted on by Jason Peake

CARTHAGE, Mo. — Carthage led from start to finish in a 3-0 victory over Joplin on Tuesday night in a matchup between Central Ozark Conference and district foes.

With a solid overall performance, the Tigers defeated the Eagles 25-16, 25-10, 25-14.

“I’m feeling really good about that one,” Carthage coach Chloe Allmoslecher said. “I feel like we came out and made it clear that we were taking care of business tonight. We’re now 3-0 in our district and we’re still undefeated on our home court. I feel like we’re building some confidence.”

Now 5-0 at home, Carthage hiked its record to 9-9 overall and 2-0 in the conference.

Gaining the momentum early in all three sets, Carthage never trailed in the match.

“That’s definitely rare in a three-set match,” Allmoslecher said of never trailing. “And when it’s a district and conference opponent and a close rival, you never know how it’s going to go. But the girls showed up tonight and I’m just so proud of them.” 

Carthage’s Riann Schwartz is pictured during Tuesday’s match with Joplin. In back is Peyton Ray. Photo by Jessica Greninger.

In the opening set, the Tigers pulled out to a 7-2 lead after an ace from junior outside hitter Peyton Ray, and Carthage led 18-8 after kills from juniors Jaidyn Brunnert and Millie Templeman.

Joplin senior outside hitter Bailey Owens recorded a pair of kills for the visitors, but the Tigers finished off the set after kills from senior Ava Bourgault and Brunnert.

Once again pulling away early, Carthage held leads of 9-1 and 14-2 in the second set victory.

Joplin received kills from both Janiah Vaughn and Aiyana Kroll, but the visitors still trailed 18-9.

The Tigers closed the second set on a 7-1 run, capped by a kill from Templeman and an ace from Brunnert.

In the third set, Carthage once again took control early, leading 6-1 and 11-5 after a kill from Bourgault.

The Tigers simply got on a roll, as sophomore Sadie Comer served four straight aces for a comfy 18-8 advantage.

Bella Coy and Brunnert recorded kills late in the set, as the Tigers finished off the clean sweep.

“Tonight was fun,” Allmoslecher said. “All of the girls were focused, but they were having fun and doing it as a team. As a whole, I feel like we took care of business.”

Templeman led the Tigers with 15 kills and had only one attack error. 

Joplin junior setter Adalynn Noirfalise sets up a teammate during Tuesday’s match against Carthage.

“Millie touched the ball a lot and they were triple blocking her,” Allmoslecher said. “She was swinging aggressively, so I was proud of her.” 

Bourgault added eight kills, while Brunnert, Coy and London Shepherd all contributed four kills apiece.

Brunnert handed out 17 assists, while Comer had 13 assists. Ray had seven aces. 

The Tigers served 15 aces in the match, as the Eagles struggled with their serve-receive. 

“We’ve had to fight for our consistency with our serves,” Allmoslecher said. “As a coaching staff, we’ve really been on them about that. Tonight, we were really consistent and aggressive and that’s all you can ask for.”

Joplin fell to 3-9 overall and 0-2 in the COC.  

“We’ve still got work to do, and I’m not going to give up on these girls,” Joplin coach Staci Saunders said. “I have to give Carthage a lot of credit. Their girls played with heart and they played very well. We played very slow and casual. We didn’t seem to get up for this match.”

Owens led the Eagles with nine kills and seven digs, while fellow senior Raelin Calderon added four kills.

Junior setter Adalynn Noirfalise handed out 17 assists for the Eagles, while junior libero Phia Vogel had a team-high nine digs.

Both schools have been assigned to Class 5 District 7, so they may meet again in postseason play. 

 

WHAT’S NEXT?

Both teams will host COC matches on Thursday, as Carthage meets Ozark and Joplin entertains Branson.

 

Carthage’s Jaidyn Brunnert hits over the block of Janiah Vaughn and Aiyana Kroll on Tuesday night. Carthage defeated Joplin 3-0 in COC play. Photos by Jessica Greninger.

 

Carthage’s Jaidyn Brunnert and Millie Templeman block at the net against Joplin on Tuesday.

 

Joplin libero Phia Vogel is pictured during Tuesday’s match against Carthage.

 

The Carthage Tigers defeated the Joplin Eagles 3-0 in district and conference volleyball action on Tuesday night inside the Carthage High School gymnasium. Photos by Jessica Greninger.

BOYS SOCCER: Joplin knocks off Neosho

Posted on by Jason Peake

The Joplin High School boys soccer team defeated Neosho 4-2 on Tuesday night.

The Eagles took a 3-0 lead after Adam Badr scored in the 12th minute and Ely Montanez recorded goals in the 44th and 67th minutes.

Blanton Garrigan and Andy Cordova assisted on Montanez’s goals. 

Neosho scored back-to-back goals in the 75th and 76th minutes, with Fabiani Ohajaca scoring the second goal.

Joplin responded in the 77th minute, as Cordova scored, with Badr assisting.

The Eagles took 22 shots, with eight shots on goal. The Wildcats took 11 shots, with five on goal. 

Joplin had four corner kicks to Neosho’s one.

Joplin goalkeeper Brayden Anderson was credited with three saves. 

Joplin will compete at this weekend’s Jefferson City tournament. 

Neosho hosts McDonald County on Wednesday.

 

GIRLS TENNIS ROUNDUP: Joplin upends Neosho in COC matchup; Thomas Jefferson now 8-0

Posted on by Jason Peake

 

JOPLIN 8, NEOSHO 1

The Joplin High School girls tennis team defeated Neosho 8-1 on Tuesday night in Central Ozark Conference action.

The Eagles swept all three doubles matches to start the dual.

At No. 1 doubles, Joplin’s Mya Ndedi-Ntepe and Alexandra Carson defeated Keely Keeton and Emma VanDorn 8-2, while Izzy Zamanzadeh and Zayda Derganc beat Francisca Ruiz-Angel Lee 8-2 at No. 2 doubles. 

At No. 3 doubles, Joplin’s duo of Julia Reyes-Alvarado and Gwenna Street defeated Sydnee Minton-Abigail Coutu 8-3.

Joplin won five of the six singles matches.

Ndedi-Ntepe defeated Keeton 8-1, Zamanzadeh beat VanDorn 8-0, Carson topped Ruiz 8-3, Derganc got past Lee 8-3 and Reyes-Alvarado defeated Minton 8-2.

At No. 6 singles, Neosho’s Coutu defeated Street 8-4.

 

THOMAS JEFFERSON 9, GREENWOOD 0

The Thomas Jefferson Cavaliers improved to 8-0 on the season with Tuesday’s win over Greenwood.

In doubles, TJ’s Allison Ding and Jeanna Jeyaraj defeated Isabella Garcia and Katelyn Schaller 8-5, while Esther Yang and Kyla Yang beat Anliya Jones-Camryn Parker 8-1 and Warda Morsy and Mayson Solum topped Aliza Hassan-Pearl McWay 8-2.

In singles matches, Thomas Jefferson Ding beat Garcia 8-0, Jeyaraj topped Jones 8-3, Esther Yang edged Schaller 8-6, Morsy defeated Hassan 8-2, Solum handled McWay 8-0 and Kyla Yang beat Parker 8-1.

Thomas Jefferson hosts Aurora on Thursday. 

SOFTBALL: Neosho rallies late to beat Webb City

Posted on by Jason Peake

NEOSHO, Mo. — Just when it looked like the visitors had all of the momentum, the host Neosho Wildcats rallied for four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to earn a 5-4 Central Ozark Conference victory over the Webb City Cardinals on Tuesday at the Marion Sports Complex.

With a sixth straight win, Neosho improved to 17-5 overall and 4-1 in the COC. 

Webb City slipped to 12-7 and 2-3 in the COC. 

Entering the matchup with plenty of momentum after winning the Branson Tournament over the weekend, the Wildcats took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third inning when junior shortstop Beclynn Garrett launched a solo home run over the fence in center field.

The Cardinals were no-hit by Neosho junior right-hander Carleigh Kinnaird through five innings, but the visitors finally got the bats going in the top of the sixth, erupting for four runs.

Freshman shortstop Abby Sargent and sophomore catcher Kylee Sargent hit back-to-back singles to begin the sixth before sophomore third baseman Alex Maturino blasted a three-run home run to center for a 3-1 lead.

Later in the frame, senior second baseman Jensyn Pickett smacked a home run to left to give the visitors a three-run cushion. 

But the Wildcats responded with four runs of their own in the bottom half.

Garrett tripled to start the rally and later scored on sophomore second baseman Addysan Hart’s sac fly to right.

The hosts tied the game on junior left fielder Avyn Blair’s two-run base hit to right field.

Later in the frame, Blair scored the go-ahead run from third after a wild pitch. 

Kinnaird, who retired the side in the seventh, earned the complete-game pitching victory. She gave up four runs on four hits and two walks and struck out 10.

Garrett went 2-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI.

Webb City freshman Addie Burns took the loss after allowing five runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out four. 

Both teams have conference home games on Thursday, as Webb City hosts Republic and Neosho entertains Ozark. 

 

SOFTBALL: Big inning fuels Joplin past Carl Junction

Posted on by Lucas Davis

Joplin used a nine-run inning as the catalyst to an 11-6 win over Carl Junction in Central Ozark Conference action at the JHS Athletic Complex on Tuesday.

The Bulldogs scored a run in the first, three in the second and another in the top of the third inning to lead 5-0 before the Eagles flipped the script with nine runs touching him in the last of the third frame to give JHS a commanding 9-5 lead. Joplin added a single tally in the fourth and both teams traded runs in the fifth to wrap the scoring.

Caelyn Bobski earned the win after allowing six runs, three earned, on seven hits, three walks and two strikeouts in four innings. Ava Wolf pitched three scoreless relief innings on a hit, one walk and a strikeout.

Hannah Cole took the loss after allowing nine runs, three earned, on seven hits, two walks and a strikeout in 2 2/3 innings. Kiley Spencer allowed two runs, one earned, on four hits, two walks on 3 1/3 innings of relief.

Carl Junction took the early lead with an RBI double from Kadence Hunt in the first inning before Ryleigh Palmer had an RBI single and Madi Olds came up with a two-run single in the second frame for a 3-0 advantage. Spencer homered to center field to lead off the third inning for a four-run lead.

Joplin rallied in a big way in the bottom of the third inning with nine runs touching the plate. Bailey Ledford started the scoring with an RBI single up the middle to bring home a run before Abby Lowery followed up with a solo home run to left to trim the deficit to 5-3. Riley Kelly plated a run with a single and Wolf drove in a run with a sacrifice fly to tie the game at 5-5. Maria Loum added an RBI on an infield hit to give Joplin the lead before Ledford tripled in two runs for her second hit in the inning. The scoring wrapped with the final run crossing on a wild pitch. 

Ledford finished the game with three hits, including a triple, four RBI and two runs scored, while Lowery had two hits, including a homer, two RBI and a run scored. Kelly had three hits, scored a run and drove in one. Loum had a hit, drove in one and scored three times. 

Joplin (11-8, 3-2 COC) hosts Willard on Thursday.

Carl Junction (6-12, 0-5 COC) hosts Branson on Thursday.

 

VOLLEYBALL: CHC earns road win

Posted on by Lucas Davis

COLLEGE HEIGHTS 3, LIBERAL 2

LIBERAL, Mo. — College Heights Christian went on the road and earned a 26-24, 26-24, 16-25, 19-25 and 15-8 win over Liberal on Monday.

The win improves College Heights to 7-7-3 on the season.

Maddy Colin had 31 assists, 24 digs, six blocks and three aces in service, while Bailey Peeples finished with 12 kills and a block. Lilly Plassman had 38 digs, while Allie Stout finished with 17 digs and two aces. Christa Miller had 23 digs and Toryn Finks added nine kills.

College Heights is at Exeter on Tuesday.

 

MOUNT VERNON 3, EAST NEWTON 0

MOUNT VERNON, Mo. — Mount Vernon defeated East Newton 25-13, 25-18 and 25-13 on Monday night.

No other information was available.

BOYS SOCCER: Badr’s hat trick leads Joplin past Parkview

Posted on by Jason Peake

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Adam Badr recorded a hat trick, leading Joplin to an 8-0 win over Parkview on Monday night. 

A junior, Badr scored Joplin’s first three goals — an unassisted goal in the eighth minute before scoring again in both the 12th and 13th minutes. Ian Trejo and Duncan Fogarty had the assists.

Fogarty’s goal, which came in the 22nd minute and was assisted by Alex De La Torre, made it 4-0.

Zekir Ajruloski converted a penalty kick in the 35th minute to give the Eagles a 5-0 advantage.

Joplin added three goals in the second half, with Fogarty scoring his second goal in the 56th minute, with Badr assisting, before Ever Blanco and Bennett Robertson got into the act for the final margin.

Joplin took 23 shots on goal, while Parkview had just one.

Goalkeeper Brayden Anderson was credited with one save for the Eagles. 

Joplin is at Neosho on Tuesday night.

GIRLS TENNIS: Thomas Jefferson tops Carthage, remains unbeaten

Posted on by Jason Peake

The Thomas Jefferson girls tennis team remained unbeaten this fall by beating Carthage 9-0 on Monday at the TJ courts.

The Cavaliers are now 7-0.

In singles matches, Thomas Jefferson’s Alison Ding defeated Kailie Layman 8-0, Jeanna Jeyaraj beat Logan Lee 8-0, Esther Yang topped Madeleine Goetzinger 8-1, Warda Morsy defeated Emma Seedorf 8-0, Mayson Solum topped Rachel Martin 8-0 and Kyla Yang beat Aneidy Garza-Maldonado 8-0.

In doubles play, Ding-Jeyaraj defeated Layman-Goetzinger 8-2, while Yang-Yang beat Lee-Martin 8-0 and Morsy-Solum knocked off Seedorf-Emerson Rogers 8-1.

Thomas Jefferson hosts Greenwood on Tuesday. 

Carthage hosts Carl Junction on Tuesday.

SOFTBALL ROUNDUP: Joplin rolls past Seneca; Carthage earns road win; CJ falls

Posted on by Lucas Davis

 

 

JOPLIN 15, SENECA 5 (5 INNINGS)

Seneca started the scoring but Joplin finished it in a five-inning win over the Indians on Monday at the JHS Athletic Complex.

Joplin’s Ava Wolf delivers to home during the Eagles’ win over Seneca on Monday. Photo by Israel Perez.

The Indians (6-11), who won six of their last nine games coming in, got the scoring started with two runs in the first inning before Joplin (10-8) took control with a six-run second inning. Seneca chipped away but would get no closer than two runs to the lead before a six-run fourth inning fueled by a pair of long balls by the Eagles put the game out of reach for good.

Ava Wolf earned the win for Joplin after allowing five runs on seven hits, three walks and two strikeouts in 4 1/3 innings.
Callie Rhoades took the loss for Seneca after allowing 15 runs, 11 earned, on 14 hits, two walks and three strikeouts in 4 2/3 innings. 

Seneca took the early lead with a pair of runs crossing the plate in the Indians’ first at-bat. Abby Stelts drove home the first run with a double to center before Bailey Waddell picked up an RBI on a groundout later in the inning. 

Seneca’s Callie Rhoades celebrates with teammates at home plate after hitting a home run in the loss to Joplin on Monday. Photo by Israel Perez.

Joplin’s Taryn Casey cut the deficit in half in the bottom of the second inning when she singled up the middle to bring home the runner from second to make the score 2-1. Joplin tied the game moments later when Ashley Phillips chopped the ball and reached on an infield hit to plate a run. Two batters later, Abby Lowery ripped a double over the head of the right fielder with the bags full to drive in three runs and give the Eagles a 5-2 advantage. Jadyn Pankow picked up an RBI on a groundout to wrap the scoring with Joplin on top 6-2.

The Indians cut the lead to two runs in the top of the third inning when Rhoades continued her power streak with a two-run homer with two outs to trim Joplin’s advantage to 6-4. 

Joplin shortstop Libby Munn records a putout in the Eagles’ win over Seneca on Monday. Photo by Israel Perez.

Lowery came up big once more for the Eagles in the bottom of the third inning. With two runners on, Lowery smoked a ball over the wall in right field for a three-run homer and a 9-4 lead. After an RBI single to center field from Riley Kelly, Wolf put a big swing on the ball with a two-run home run to right-center field for a 12-4 lead.

Seneca added a run in the fifth inning on an RBI single from Waddell to make the score 12-5.

Joplin ended the game early after touching home three times in the bottom of the fifth inning to invoke the mercy rule. Lowery added an RBI double before a run scored on an error, which led to Wolf bringing home the final run two batters later with a two-out single to left.

Lowery led Joplin at the dish with three hits, including two doubles and a homer, as well as a game-high seven RBI and three runs scored. Wolf had three hits, including a home run, three RBI and scored a run. Kelly had three hits, scored twice and drove in a run. 

Stelts doubled and finished with two hits, two runs scored and an RBI, while Rhoades homered on the way to two hits, two RBI and a run scored. Waddell also had two hits and two RBI for Seneca.

Joplin hosts Carl Junction on Tuesday.

Seneca is at Marshfield on Tuesday.

 

CARTHAGE 2, CASSVILLE 1

CASSVILLE, Mo. — Carthage scored early and rode another strong start from Addie Wallace on the way to a win over Cassville on Monday.

Wallace dominated in the circle with the lead, earning the complete-game win after allowing one run over seven innings after scattering three hits, walking one and striking out 12.

The Tigers reached the scoreboard in the first inning when Lexa Youngblood, who reached on a leadoff error by the Wildcats, came around to score on a wild pitch.

Cassville tied the game in the fourth inning when Lauren Sparkman singled home a run.

Carthage went up for good in the fifth inning when Jenna Calhoon went deep for a solo home run and a 2-1 lead.

Tomi Blankenship took the loss after allowing two runs, one earned, on four hits, a walk and two strikeouts in seven innings. 

Lottie Youngblood had three hits to lead Carthage at the plate, while Calhoon homered, scored a run and drove in one.

Carthage (12-9) hosts Branson on Tuesday.

 

MONETT 14, CARL JUNCTION 2 (5 INNINGS)

MONETT, Mo. — Monett scored in each of the first four innings on the way to a comfortable win over Carl Junction on Monday.

The Cubs (9-5) took control in the bottom of the first after scoring five times. Monett added two runs in the second, another in the third and six more in the fourth to end the game after five frames on run rule. Carl Junction had single tallies in the third and fourth inning.

Kilee Wilson earned the win after allowing two runs, one earned, on four hits, a walk and six strikeouts in five innings.

Kiley Spencer took the loss after allowing 14 runs, 10 earned, on 17 hits and three strikeouts in four innings.

Madi Olds had two hits, including a triple, and finished with one RBI for Carl Junction. Izzie Southern doubled and drove in a run.

Carl Junction (6-11) is at Joplin on Tuesday.

 

WEBB CITY GOES 1-2 AT PARK HILL TOURNEY

Webb City went 1-2 over the weekend at the Park Hill Tournament.

On Friday, Webb City defeated Park Hill 12-11 and suffered a 5-4 loss to Mid-Buchanan.

On Saturday, Fort Osage defeated Webb City 7-0.

Webb City (12-6) is at Neosho (16-5) on Tuesday for a Central Ozark Conference contest.

 

GIRLS GOLF: Joplin claims team title at Carthage invite

Posted on by Jason Peake

CARTHAGE, Mo. — With three of the top 10 individuals, the Joplin High School girls golf team captured the team championship at the annual eCarthage.com Invitational on Monday at the Carthage Golf Course.

The Eagles turned in a four-person score of 390. Joplin’s Drew Yockey finished fifth with a 91, while Scarlett Satterlee tied for sixth with a 92 and Kenna Haley placed 10th with a 97. 

Carl Junction (412) and Mount Vernon (430) were second and third in the team standings.

Rounding out the team standings were El Dorado Springs (435), Monett (449), Seneca (463), Carthage (464), Webb City (466), McDonald County (512) and East Newton (520).

Nevada junior Emree Cameron was the individual medalist with a 2-under-par 69. Cameron, last year’s Class 2 state runner-up, was the lone player to shoot under par.

Cassville’s Avery Chappell was the individual runner-up with a 5-over-par 76, while Lamar’s Victoria O’Neal finished third with an 87 and Mount Vernon’s Kenadi Killingsworth placed fourth with an 89.

Yockey finished fifth, Carthage’s Addie Foust and Joplin’s Satterlee both carded 92 to tie for sixth, while Monett’s Katie Geiss finished eighth with a 94, Lamar’s Zavrie Wiss was ninth with a 96 and Haley rounded out the top 10.

Finishing 11th through 15th were Mount Vernon’s Emmie Schubert (98), Carl Junction’s Lyric Belcher (101), Joplin’s Emmie McGill (101), Nevada’s Paige Hertzberg (102) and Carl Junction’s Anna Burch (102).

Carl Junction’s duo of Alex Teeter (104) and Olivia Teeter (105) finished 17th and 18th, respectively.

Webb City’s Isabella Manes finished 19th with a 107 and Nevada’s Litzi Mullin, Seneca’s Madi Aumen and Cassville’s Adelee Hendricks all tied for 20th with scores of 108. 

Carl Junction’s Rylie Matyi took 23rd (109) and Joplin’s Chloe Friend finished 24th (110).

There were more than 60 golfers competing.

 

EAGLES OFF TO STELLAR START

The Joplin Eagles are off to a stellar start to the 2023 season.

In addition to winning Monday’s tourney in Carthage, the Eagles won the Seneca tri-match and have finished second in tournaments hosted by Ozark, Carl Junction and Springfield Catholic. Joplin also finished third at the Lamar Invitational. 

CROSS COUNTRY: Joplin, Webb City athletes shine at Southern Stampede

Posted on by Jason Peake

The Southern Stampede brings out the best in Joplin High School senior Ian Horton. 

For the second straight year, Horton recorded a personal-best time at the annual cross country gathering.

Competing in the Green Division, Horton crossed the line third overall with a new personal-best time of 15 minutes, 23 seconds on Saturday morning at the Tom Rutledge Cross Country Course on the campus of Missouri Southern State University.

“I’m really happy,” Horton said. “It’s still early in the season and I was just two seconds off the school record. I have a lot of training left, so I feel like I’m in a good spot. And I PR’d by 20 seconds today. My previous PR (15:42) was here last year…so about 20 seconds faster this year.”

Joplin’s Ian Horton and Webb City’s Evan Stevens led area runners at Saturday’s Southern Stampede on the MSSU campus. Horton finished third and Stevens was 15th at the event. Photo by Israel Perez.

In the annual event’s large school division, the only runners to finish ahead of Horton were Blue Springs’ Keagan Enicks (15:14) and Nixa’s Aaron Ashley (15:19).

“Going into the race, one of my coaches told me to hang and bang,” Horton said. “I wanted to hang with the top group, not leave too early, and just go from there.  

“I love this course, too, it’s basically a home meet for us,” Horton added. “And we had great weather. It was just a great competitive environment with all the fans here. It was a great day to race.” 

Horton, who finished 16th at last year’s Class 5 state cross country championships, said Saturday’s performance was one to remember. He added the showing is something he’ll look to build on, as well.

“I’m pretty confident I can get the school record,” Horton said. “I’m feeling really fit right now and I’m feeling confident.”

Horton wasn’t the only Joplin athlete to have a good day.

Joplin junior Chance Tindall finished 16th in 15:55, giving the Eagles a pair of runners in the top 20, both of whom recorded a time under 16 minutes.

Eagles junior Grey Edwards was Joplin’s third finisher, crossing the line 73rd.

The JHS boys finished 17th in the team standings for first-year head coach Dora Eastin, who replaced Dustin Dixon this fall.

In the Green Division’s girls race, Joplin senior Katherine Schaefer finished ninth with a time of 19:03.

Schaefer is a newcomer to the JHS program. Schaefer previously attended Hollister, where she earned a pair of state medals at last spring’s Class 3 state track meet by finishing fifth in both the 800 and 1600.

Joplin’s tandem of senior Averi Burks and freshman Kyrie Britton were 96th and 97th, respectively.

 

STEVENS, HEDGER LEAD WEBB CITY 

The second local finisher after Joplin’s Horton in the boys race was Webb City senior Evan Stevens, who finished 15th with a time of 15:53.

Webb City coach Dustin Miller noted Stevens is not currently at full-strength.

“Evan is battling an injury,” Webb City coach Dustin Miller said. “He could have won today if he was healthy. But his injury didn’t allow that. That’s OK. It’s hard to tamper those expectations when you think you should be winning a bunch of races, but you can’t. But I thought Evan competed well for us today.”

Webb City senior Mason Hedger finished 34th in 16:15. Also for the Cardinals, sophomore Andrew Dawson took 50th.

The Cardinals finished sixth in the team standings.

“I’m really proud of Mason Hedger and Andrew Dawson,” Miller noted. “Andrew ran a monster race today. Our pack guys ran pretty well, we just have to close it up a little.” 

In the girls race, Webb City sophomore Brooke Hedger finished 15th in 19:12, while senior Emily Countryman was 34th in 19:50.

Webb City’s freshman duo of Emma McKinzie and Olivia Klotz finished 85th and 86th.

“I’m really proud of Brooke Hedger,” Coach Miller said. “She ran faster than expected today. She is really turning into a solid No. 1 runner for us. Emily Countryman has been solid, and our freshmen are learning how to race. And I know they’re going to get better throughout the season.”

The Webb City girls were ninth in the standings. 

“For the middle of the season, and with a really hard training cycle right now, I’m proud of our guys and our girls,” Miller said. “And I look forward to seeing us progress the rest of the season.” 

Joplin’s Katherine Schaefer (1464) was the top local female finisher in the large school division at Saturday’s Southern Stampede. Schaefer finished ninth in the Green Division.

THIS ‘N THAT 

The huge meet featured a large number of local squads. 

Carthage’s Eddy Fuentes finished 59th in the boys race in 16:34 and Carl Junction’s Jack Lawson took 78th in 16:41. Carson Newell was Neosho’s top finisher (97th).

Nixa won the team title on the boys side.

On the girls side, Carl Junction’s top performer was Marissa Newman (143rd), while Carthage was led by Jennifer Rodas (153rd).

Harrisonville’s Kayleigh Norris was the girls medalist in 17:43. Rogers, Arkansas, won the girls team title.

There were 341 runners in the boys race and 270 runners in the girls race.

 

Joplin’s Mia Grubbs competes during Saturday’s Southern Stampede at Missouri Southern State University. 

 

Webb City’s Olivia Klotz is pictured during Saturday’s Southern Stampede at MSSU.

 

Pictured is Joplin’s Chance Tindall. Tindall finished 16th in the large school division.

 

Webb City’s Andrew Dawson competes during the 2023 Southern Stampede on Saturday at MSSU. Photos by Israel Perez.

 

Joplin’s Averi Burks is pictured during Saturday’s Southern Stampede.

 

Carthage’s Jenna Wilson is pictured during the Southern Stampede on Saturday at MSSU. All photos by Israel Perez/SoMo Sports.

 

SOUTHERN STAMPEDE FULL RESULTS: http://www.milesplit.live/meets/569796

CROSS COUNTRY: Sorrell wins Southern Stampede; McAuley runners lead area contingent

Posted on by Jason Peake

Well aware of his surroundings, East Newton senior Chase Sorrell looked right at home on the Tom Rutledge Cross Country Course on Saturday morning.

Chase Sorrell

A varsity veteran who has competed on the MSSU course for several years, Sorrell won the Southern Stampede’s Gold Division boys race with a time of 15 minutes, 40 seconds.

“I like the course here a lot,” Sorrell said. “It’s pretty fast with the curves and hills. You can really use the hills. And I like one lap better than two lap courses. I’m happy. I was fresh today, and this was something I’d marked on my calendar. I’m happy I was able to go out and finish No. 1.”

Sorrell went to the front early in the race and held off El Dorado Springs freshman Wyatt Klaiber down the stretch. Klaiber was the runner-up in 15:45.

“I went out and tried to see where the first pack was and I was going to hold on there until I made my move,” Sorrell said. 

Sorrell finished 34th in last year’s large school division at this event. This year, he competed against schools of East Newton’s size and captured the gold.

Sorrell, who finished third at last fall’s Class 3 state cross country meet, noted he has big goals for his senior season.

“I’m hoping to get in the top three at state again this year,” Sorrell said. “That’s my goal.”

Also of note, Chase’s older brother Kelton is a member of the Missouri Southern cross country and track program.

 

PARRIGON, RAMSEY LEAD MCAULEY CATHOLIC

McAuley Catholic had a solid showing in the Gold Division, which featured smaller high schools from the region.

McAuley Catholic’s Michael Parrigon.

McAuley junior Michael Parrigon finished sixth in the boys race with a time of 16:20.

After the race, Parrigon noted he crushed his previous personal-best time.

“I PR’d by 18 seconds, so I’m happy,” Parrigon said. “The race started out really fast, so I knew I needed to go at my own pace. It’s a tough course for sure…very loopy, a lot of rolling hills and cutbacks. You have to push it on the downhills and never let the guys in front of you get too far ahead. You just have to compete.”

“I feel really good about how Michael ran today,” McAuley Catholic coach Andy Youngworth said. “He ran really well at Father Tolton last week and he’s won two meets this year. I knew this would be a very good field today, so I knew it would be tough to win with some of the kids who are here. But Michael ran a 16:20, so I feel pretty good about him.”

Parrigon also plays soccer, so he’s been juggling both sports this fall. 

“It’s hard, it feels like my legs are never fresh,” Parrigon said. “We had two soccer matches this week. You get banged up in every game. But once I get out there on the course, the adrenaline kicks in and you don’t really feel any pain. 

“Our cross country team has high goals,” Parrigon added. “We put in a lot of miles this summer. We trophied as a team last year, and we want to finish even higher this year.” 

“Balancing two sports is tough,” Youngworth added. “He’s balancing both sports really well. He’s having a great soccer season. The biggest concern is injury. But it doesn’t do any good to worry about that. But he’s doing well in both sports…he’s definitely running well.”

After Parrigon, McAuley’s second finisher was Trae Veer, who finished 36th in 17:43.  

The Warriors finished 15th in the team standings.

“Trae Veer ran really well,” Youngworth noted. “Our pack guys struggled a little bit. There’s been some sickness floating around. Overall, it wasn’t a bad day. Right now, we just don’t have a lot of depth.”

On the girls side, McAuley senior Kendall Ramsey crossed the line 22nd in 20:43 and freshman Olivia Parrigon was 28th in 21:06.

“I thought our girls ran well, everybody PR’d for the season,” Youngworth said. “Kendall broke 21 minutes for the first time in her career. Kendall medaled and Olivia wasn’t too far behind her. The other three girls ran their best times of the year. We’re young, with just one senior. They have to keep working. And three of the five girls play volleyball and they had five volleyball matches this week and they have a tournament today. But they’ve handled it really well. I’ve tried to be smart about how I handle that and I’ve tried to give them some days off to just worry about volleyball.” 

McAuley Catholic’s duo of Kendall Ramsey and Olivia Parrigon are pictured during Saturday’s Southern Stampede on the Missouri Southern campus. Photo by Israel Perez.

THIS ‘N THAT  

In other notable finishes in the boys race, Jasper’s Leland Harris was 35th, College Heights Christian’s Colton McMillan finished 43rd, East Newton’s Nicholas Schaeffer was 45th, Thomas Jefferson’s Braden Honeywell-Lynch finished 51st and CHC’s Owen Horton was 53rd. Thomas Jefferson’s second finisher was Liam Cook (65th).

Potosi won the boys team crown.

Pierce City’s Emma Hunt was the medalist in the girls race with a time of 19:12. She finished eight seconds ahead of Webster Groves’ Parker Allen.

East Newton’s Brooklyn Blachard finished 41st, Mount Vernon’s Rylee Simons was 43rd, Nevada’s Brynley Hedges took 53rd, College Heights Christian’s Jesalin Bever finished 69th and teammate Marla Anderegg was 73rd. 

Aurora’s Drew Mayes was 71st, Thomas Jefferson’s Macie Shifferd finished 80th, CHC’s Lilly Royer was 83rd and Sarcoxie’s Laney Dorris was 84th.

Webster Groves won the girls team title. 

 

FULL RESULTS: http://www.milesplit.live/meets/569796

 

FOOTBALL: COC standings after Week 4

Posted on by Jason Peake

CENTRAL OZARK CONFERENCE STANDINGS

(After Week 4)

Nixa           4-0

Webb City 3-1

Joplin         3-1

Willard       3-1

Republic     3-1

Carl Junction 1-3

Carthage     1-3

Branson      1-3

Ozark         1-3

Neosho      0-4

Week 5 games
Nixa at Joplin
Ozark at Webb City
Carthage at Neosho
Carl Junction vs. Branson
Willard at Republic

FOOTBALL: Webb City finishes strong, ends skid against Joplin

Posted on by Jason Peake

WEBB CITY, Mo. — The highly-anticipated meeting between state-ranked rivals Joplin and Webb City once again lived up to its usual billing.

But after an even first half, Class 5 No. 2 Webb City made more winning plays after intermission on the way to a convincing 38-21 victory over Class 6 No. 9 Joplin on Friday night inside a packed Cardinal Stadium.

The game was deadlocked at 14 at halftime before the Cardinals outscored the Eagles 24-7 in the second half. 

“I’m extremely proud of our kids,” Webb City coach Ryan McFarland said. “We faced some adversity. At halftime, we felt like we should have had the lead, but the game was tied. The kids just kept fighting. We talked about getting a stop to start the third quarter and we talked about finishing drives offensively. We were able to do that.” 

Of course, Joplin had won the previous four meetings with Webb City.

The Cardinals ended the skid.

“This is big,” Webb City sophomore Gabe Johnson said. “We came out strong and won the game. We kept pushing it in the second half. They’d beat us four years in a row, so this feels good. I’ve been waiting for my turn in this game.”

“Honestly, our kids and coaches were aware of it, but we never talked about it as a team,” McFarland said of attempting to halt the streak. “You don’t want to put too much pressure on the kids. We just wanted to be a week better this week and I think we were.” 

Joplin coach Curtis Jasper noted the Cardinals deserved the victory.

“It was a hard-fought, physical game, so hats off to Webb City,” Jasper said. “Webb City played really well, especially up front. We made some mistakes and they had some big defensive stops. In the end, you have to give Webb City a lot of credit. They played very well tonight.” 

Joplin QB Hobbs Gooch eludes the Webb City defense during Friday’s game. Photo by Israel Perez.

GAME RECAP

Webb City QB Braden McKee hands off to Andrew Elwell on Friday. Photo by Israel Perez.

After Joplin’s defense forced a turnover on downs on the first series of the night, the Eagles needed just two plays to go 66 yards, as senior QB Hobbs Gooch completed a short pass to senior tight end Whit Hafer, who rumbled past the defense to the end zone for a 58-yard score.

Webb City responded immediately, as the speedy Johnson returned the ensuing kick 97 yards for a game-tying score.

The Cardinals took a 14-7 lead at the end of the opening frame when senior QB Braden McKee connected with Johnson for a 14-yard touchdown strike. The hosts were able to extend the go-ahead drive after recovering a punt.

Webb City threatened to extend its lead to two scores late in the first half, as the hosts had the ball on the 10-yard line. But a pass into the end zone was picked off by Joplin’s Chavis Coleman. 

The Eagles made the most of the takeaway, as the visitors tied the game at 14 with an eight-play, 87-yard drive that was finished off by Jett Beal’s 29-yard reception with 45 seconds remaining in the first half. Joplin also kept the tying drive going by pulling off a fake punt.

“Coach (Alan) Linden does a great job of preparing our special teams,” Jasper noted. “We thought the fake punt was there and we took advantage of it.” 

Alex Dunne’s 37-yard field goal gave Webb City a 17-14 lead and was the lone score of the third period.

Webb City’s Brett Korth picked off a Gooch pass on the next series, and the Cardinals extended their lead to 10 on junior Andrew Elwell’s 5-yard scamper. 

The Eagles pulled within three with 8:13 left after Aidan Sampson hauled in a 7-yard touchdown pass from Gooch.

Joplin senior Whit Hafer scampers past the Webb City defense during Friday’s game.

But the Cardinals finished strong, scoring a pair of unanswered touchdowns in the final frame.

Johnson sprinted to a 28-yard touchdown with 6:47 left before Webb City’s defense forced a quick three and out on the next series.

“The interception was a big play for them,” Jasper noted. “And the run by Johnson was a huge play.”

The Cardinals put the final touches on the win with 3:09 remaining when Joseph DeGraffenreid caught a 22-yard touchdown pass.

Joplin nearly scored before the end of regulation, but the Webb City defense stopped the Eagles near the goal line before running out the final seconds.

McFarland noted he was proud his team was able to limit the Eagles to one score after the break.

“Our defense has played well all year,” McFarland said. “We were able to get stops. They play hard and they play as a group.”

 

NAMES & NUMBERS

Webb City recorded 367 yards, with 283 on the ground and 84 through the air.

Elwell ran 20 times for 124 yards, while Johnson had 91 rushing yards on 11 carries. 

Defensively, Brody Eggleston had 13 tackles and Conner Gayman added eight. 

Joplin finished with 354 yards, 244 passing and 110 rushing.

Webb City’s Noah Durman carries the football against Joplin on Friday night.

Gooch completed 15 of 22 passes for 237 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. 

Hafer hauled in five passes for 111 yards, while Sampson had 50 receiving yards on five catches and Davin Thomas had four receptions for 46 yards.

Kaden Gilmore ran nine times for 32 yards to lead Joplin’s rushing attack. 

Garren Berry had eight tackles for the Eagles, while Cordell Washington had seven. 

 

INJURY REPORT

Webb City took the field without a pair of key performers, as starting running backs Breckin Galardo and Omari Jackson both suffered injuries in last week’s game at Republic. 

The Eagles were not at full-strength, either, as they are currently missing standout running back Quin Renfro, a South Dakota State recruit.

Also of note, Joplin’s Gooch and standout offensive lineman Dontrell Holt (Iowa State recruit) were back in the lineup for the Eagles this week.

The Eagles lost a couple of players to injuries on Friday night.

 

WHAT’S NEXT?

Joplin (3-1) hosts Class 6 No. 4 Nixa (4-0) next Friday.

Jasper said there were positives his team can take away from Friday’s loss.

“It’s just Week 4, so we still have a chance to get better,” Jasper said. “We have another tough opponent next week. We need to get better between now and then.”

Webb City (3-1) hosts Ozark (1-3) in Week 5.

The Cardinals have now won three straight after a Week 1 setback at Nixa.

“It’s been rewarding to watch the kids have success on the field,” McFarland said. “They’ve been rewarded for their efforts.”

Webb City sophomore Gabe Johnson sprints to a kick return touchdown against Joplin on Friday night at Cardinal Stadium.

 

Joplin’s Toryn Jones looks for running room against Webb City on Friday night. Webb City defeated Joplin 38-21 in COC play. Photos by Israel Perez.

 

Joplin’s Aidan Sampson looks to elude Webb City’s Brayden Ackerman.

WEBB CITY 38, JOPLIN 21

Joplin             7    7    0     7 — 21

Webb City   14   0    3   21 — 38

SCORING SUMMARY

JOP: Whit Hafer 58 pass from Hobbs Gooch (Toby Ipsen kick)

WC: Gabe Johnson 97 kick return (Alex Dunne kick)

WC: Johnson 14 pass from Braden McKee (Dunne kick)

JOP: Jett Beal 29 pass from Gooch (Ipsen kick)

WC: Alex Dunne 37 field goal

WC: Andrew Elwell 5 run (Dunne kick)

JOP: Aidan Sampson 7 pass from Gooch (Ipsen kick)

WC: Johnson 28 run (Dunne kick)

WC: Joseph DeGraffenreid 22 pass from McKee (Dunne kick)

 

FULL STATS: Webb City HS (webbcitycardinals.com)

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