RAYTOWN, Mo. — Only two points separated Carthage and Raytown South in the district standings before Friday night.
So the Tigers made sure that the point separation on the gridiron was a much different story.
Third-seeded Carthage erased an early two-score deficit and dominated the second half — including a 28-point fourth quarter — to earn a 56-28 road victory over No. 2 Raytown South in the Class 5 District 7 semifinal round.
Junior running back Landyn Collins carried the load for the Tigers, starring with a five-touchdown performance.
The Cardinals (8-3) even made it a one-score game at 28-21 midway through the third quarter before Carthage (7-4) blew the doors off the home side the rest of the way.
The Tigers, leading by the same seven-point lead after three quarters, finished the contest with a 28-7 margin to propel Carthage into an intriguing district title game at Webb City next Friday.
The Tigers didn’t hold a lead until the 18-second mark of the second quarter. In fact, Raytown South raced out to a 14-0 lead, with the second score coming after a surprising onside kick that the home side recovered.
The Cardinals scored on their first two drives—both coming through the air with Sheldon Locke linking up with Iowa State commit Marcus Neal on 51- and 11-yard touchdown completions. Those were two of Neal’s four receiving touchdowns on the day, proving his status as a three-star and DI recruit who plays both ways.
Carthage chipped away offensively and leaned on a stout defense to change the guard in this district semifinal matchup. Tigers junior quarterback Brady Carlton scored on an 11-yard scamper in the first quarter and Collins tallied his first rushing touchdown to make it 14-all with 43 seconds left before the break.
The Tigers managed to get into the end zone once more before visiting the guest locker room after recovering a fumble on the ensuing kickoff and Collins rushing for a 7-yard score and a 21-14 halftime lead with 18 seconds left.
Collins continued his momentum with a short touchdown run on Carthage’s first series of the second half, providing a two-score lead at the time. But Neal made a toe-tapping 8-yard reception for his third score on the night, cutting the Tigers’ lead to 28-21 with less than five minutes remaining in the third.
Then, Carthage went into overdrive. Carlton connected with junior receiver Langston Morgan on a 23-yard touchdown before the Tigers recovered their own onside kick, and Collins ran one in from four yards out for a 42-21 lead midway through the fourth.
Neal then proved he wasn’t quite finished, bringing in a 65-yard reception on the near sideline to trim the lead to 42-28 with 7:10 left. But Collins had an answer with a three-yard touchdown run before Morgan recorded a 36-yard pick-6 to put the game out of reach with 2:01 remaining.
Carthage, which started the season 0-3, will play for a district championship next Friday at top-seeded Webb City (8-2). The Tigers handed Webb City one of its two losses 20-13 on Oct. 6 in Carthage.
WEBB CITY, Mo. — The Webb City Cardinals showed no signs of rust after a bye week.
In an explosive start, top-seeded Webb City scored on its first four offensive plays in dramatic fashion en route to a dominating 71-20 win over fourth-seeded Belton on Friday night in the Class 5 District 7 semifinals at Cardinal Stadium.
“We had a great week of practice last week and it carried over to this week,” Webb City coach Ryan McFarland said. “We wanted to clean some things up in the bye week and I think we proved we did that tonight. We’ve really been emphasizing getting off to a fast start. All year it seemed like we went into halftime struggling a little bit before playing better in the second half. Playing better in the first half was a priority and I think we accomplished that tonight.”
Webb City (8-2) will host third-seeded Carthage (7-4) in the district title game next Friday night.
“It should be a great environment and it will be a big test for us,” McFarland said. “Who else would you want to play to try and win a district championship?”
Playing in front of a large home crowd on John Roderique Field, Webb City built a commanding 64-7 lead by halftime in the program’s first-ever meeting with Belton.
The Cardinals scored 37 unanswered points to start the night.
“We were doing things right and the offensive line played really well,” McFarland said of the fast start. “That group has played well all year. And at this time of the year, you like to see the guys doing the things they’ve been coached to do.”
Webb City’s Jonah Spieker (81) sprints ahead of the Belton defense on his way to a 56-yard touchdown. Webb City rolled to a 71-20 win over Belton at Cardinal Stadium. Photo by Tyler Wade.
GAME RECAP
On his team’s first offensive snap of the night, Webb City sophomore quarterback Gabe Johnson sprinted 80 yards to the end zone.
After Belton’s second punt of the night, the Cardinals once again needed just one play to score. Johnson ran 54 yards on the first play from scrimmage for the touchdown, giving Webb City an early 14-0 advantage with 6:16 remaining in the first quarter.
The Cardinals made it three touchdowns on three plays when senior running back Omari Jackson, in his first action since Week 3, sprinted 35 yards to give the hosts a 21-0 lead with 3:23 left in the opening frame.
A bad snap resulted in a safety and gave the Cardinals a 23-0 advantage.
Next, Braden McKee completed a 78-yard touchdown pass to Drew Vonder Haar on the fourth offensive play of the night for a commanding 30-0 cushion.
“That’s the kids believing in our system and just doing their jobs,” McFarland said of scoring four times on four plays. “We got a lot of people involved. We keep telling the guys to prepare themselves and make the most of their opportunities. They were able to do that tonight.”
Jackson’s 21-yard touchdown run made it 37-0 early in the second quarter before Belton got on the board on Tyrion Thomas’ 84-yard kick return.
A 56-yard touchdown pass to Jonah Spieker, an 8-yard run by Andrew Elwell, Andrew Young’s 84-yard pick six and Slade Hurd’s 98-yard run made it 64-7 at the break.
After intermission, Jackson Lucas ran for a 95-yard touchdown run to give the Cardinals a whopping 71-7 lead.
Belton scored twice in the fourth quarter against Webb City’s deep reserves for the final margin.
Belton’s Tyrion Thomas (11) tries to get past the Webb City defense on Friday night at Cardinal Stadium. Photo by Tyler Wade.
NAMES & NUMBERS
Webb City recorded 578 yards on just 29 plays. The Cardinals ran for 444 yards on 27 attempts and passed for 134 yards on two completions.
Webb City only had possession for 15 minutes, 16 seconds, while Belton had a time of possession of 32:44.
Johnson ran twice for 133 yards and two scores. Alex Dunne converted 9-of-10 PAT kicks.
The 71 points is believed to have tied the school record. Webb City also scored 71 points on Oct. 24 of 2014 against McDonald County (71-0). The Cardinals scored 70 against Nevada in 2004. Those are believed to be the only two times the Cardinals have reached 70 points.
Belton (6-5) compiled 235 yards on 62 plays, with 156 rushing and 79 passing.
The Webb City defense recorded four interceptions.
“Belton has a talented quarterback and we were able to get pressure on him with our D-line,” McFarland said. “We were able to drop our linebackers. It was a great job by our defensive coordinators and our defensive players for sure.”
WHAT’S NEXT?
Webb City will host longtime rival Carthage with the district championship on the line next Friday at 7 p.m.
Carthage knocked off second-seeded Raytown South 56-28 in the other semifinal.
Of course, Carthage defeated Webb City 20-13 in Week 7.
“Coach (Jon) Guidie does an awesome job and we know they’re a talented team,” McFarland said. “Our guys wanted a chance to play them again and they’re going to get it. It’s time to get back to work and try to figure out what went wrong last time and we’ll try to fix it. They were the more physical team last time, so that’s going to be a point of emphasis for sure.”
Webb City rolled to a 71-20 victory over Belton on Friday night in the district semifinals. Webb City will host rival Carthage next Friday in the district title game. Photo by Tyler Wade.
CLASS 5 DISTRICT 7 SEMIFINALS
WEBB CITY 71, BELTON 20
Belton 0 7 0 13 —20
Webb City 30 34 7 0 —71
SCORING SUMMARY
WC: Gabe Johnson 80 run (Alex Dunne kick)
WC: Johnson 54 run (Dunne kick)
WC: Omari Jackson 35 run (Dunne kick)
WC: Safety.
WC: Drew Vonder Haar 78 pass from Braden McKee (Dunne kick)
WC: Jackson 21 run (Dunne kick)
BEL: Tyrion Thomas 84 kick return (Coby Clark kick)
WC: Jonah Spieker 56 pass from Johnson (Dunne kick)
WC: Andrew Elwell 8 run (Kick failed)
WC: Andrew Young 84 interception return (Dunne kick)
COLUMBIA, Mo. — McAuley Catholic junior Michael Parrigon finished fourth in Class 1 to lead a strong area contingent at the 49th MSHSAA Cross Country Championships on Friday morning at the Gans Creek Cross Country Course.
Parrigon toured the 5K course in 16 minutes, 28 seconds.
Finishing ahead of Parrigon were West Nodaway’s Riley Blay (15:48), Marion C. Early’s Landon Duchscherer (15:55) and Dora’s Cade Nold (16:26). Blay won for the third straight season.
Parrigon’s showing is the best state finish in program history for the McAuley boys. Max Ostmeyer finished 17th in 2016 and Parrigon was 21st last year.
“I thought he could be in the top five,” McAuley Catholic coach Andy Youngworth said. “The kid from Dora is really good. And I’m not going to use this as an excuse, but it’s a fact that Michael played two soccer matches this week, including last night. Max Anreder also had to deal with that. Both ran well. I thought Michael was in a good position for most of the race.”
McAuley Catholic junior Michael Parrigon finished fourth in Class 1 at the state cross country championships on Friday. It’s the best finish in the history of the McAuley cross country program. Photo by Chris Auckley.
In addition to Parrigon, three other Joplin area runners finished in the top 30 to earn all-state honors in the Class 1 boys race.
Jasper junior Leland Harris placed 20th in 17:40, while McAuley’s duo of Trae Veer (17:42) and Will Mollnow (17:43) finished 22nd and 23rd, respectively. Veer is a sophomore and Mollnow is just a freshman.
“Will passed 11 or 12 guys in the last 400 meters to medal,” Youngworth noted. “He had a great finish.”
Thomas Jefferson had two athletes competing — freshman Liam Cook finished 34th in 18:03 and junior Braden Honeywell-Lynch was 45th in 18:12.
Also competing for McAuley were Alex Bohachick (102nd), Connor Taffner (111th), Cliff Nolan (137th) and Max Anreder (141st).
The Warriors finished fifth out of 15 teams in the Class 1 standings with 136 points. The top four teams take home a trophy.
For the Warriors, it was a memorable day.
“We had three state medalists and that’s the first time that’s happened in school history,” Youngworth said. “Last year we had two medalists and that was the first time that had happened. I’m really pleased.
“I think the boys were disappointed we took fifth. We were six points away from fourth and nine points away from third. Going in, I felt like there were three or four schools that could finish anywhere from third to sixth. But I thought our kids ran well. We worked really hard this year, from August 7th to today. And that doesn’t include the time in the summer. We put in a lot of time and effort and I think it showed.”
Of note, all of McAuley’s boys will return next season, as there are no seniors on the roster.
Hermitage (74), Van Buren (97), Oak Ridge (127) and Vienna (130) were the top four teams.
There were 170 runners in the boys race.
CLASS 1 GIRLS
Liberal freshman Ally Barton finished third in the Class 1 girls race with a time of 20:17, leading the Bulldogs to a runner-up finish in the team standings.
South Nodaway’s Mya Wray was the Class 1 champion in 19:11 and Stoutland’s Mallory Shaw was the runner-up in 20:15.
Earning all-state recognition with their respective top-30 showings, McAuley Catholic senior Kendall Ramsey finished ninth in 20:46, while Liberal junior Taylor Swarnes was 10th in 20:53 and McAuley freshman Olivia Parrigon placed 11th in 20:56 to give the Warriors five all-state performances on the day.
Liberal’s Abby Barton finished 30th and teammate Bailey Couch was 34th, while Thomas Jefferson’s Macie Shifferd finished 40th and teammate Sarah Mueller was 52nd.
Also competing for McAuley were Riley Sears (69th), Marbellie Villanueva (91st) and Samantha Perrin (129th).
The top four teams were Chadwick (60), Liberal (98), East Carter (112) and Paris (130).
The runner-up showing is the best state finish in school history for the Liberal girls, who were fourth in 2017.
McAuley finished eighth in the standings with 169 points.
“Our girls really had a great meet,” Youngworth said. “We went from 13th last year to eighth this year. Olivia finishing 11th as a freshman is great. It was Kendall’s fourth state appearance and second medal. She actually ran faster this year than last year but finished one place lower this year. There are a lot of good runners in Class 1. I’m proud of all of our girls. Riley Sears had a good day. That’s another freshman who put together some really good workouts and those translated into faster times at the meets. Marbellie and Sam ran well and will both be back. Kendall is our only senior. You can’t replace her. She’s a great kid.”
There were 143 runners and 13 full teams.
McAuley Catholic’s Olivia Parrigon (174) and Kendall Ramsey (176) are pictured during Friday’s MSHSAA Cross Country Championships. Both earned all-state honors, as Ramsey finished ninth and Parrigon was 11th. Photo by Chris Auckley/Special to SoMo Sports.
CLASS 2 BOYS
College Heights Christian’s Colton McMillan finished 28th in the Class 2 race, earning all-state recognition.
Competing in Class 2 on Friday, College Heights Christian sophomore Colton McMillan finished 28th in 17:25 to earn all-state honors. McMillan was the lone area product to earn all-state recognition in the Class 2 boys race.
Also competing for CHC were sophomore Owen Horton (101st) and freshman Connor Jordan (106th).
Diamond’s Wyatt Housh (88th), Purdy’s duo of Jayden Griffis (104th) and Logan Manwarren (105th) and Pierce City’s Joseph Leavitt (132nd) also competed.
Woodland’s Reed Layton was the Class 2 champion in 16:25.
The top four teams were Woodland (96), KC Lutheran (137), New Covenant (168) and North Platte (175).
There were 169 runners and 16 full teams.
CLASS 2 GIRLS
Pierce City sophomore Emma Hunt finished 12th in the Class 2 girls race with a time of 20:16. Hunt was the lone local runner to earn a top-30 finish in the Class 2 girls race.
Also competing from the region were Sarcoxie’s Laney Dorris (72nd), Pierce City’s Lauren Blackburn (83rd), Purdy’s Courtney Patterson (86th), Sarcoxie’s Ariel Wilson (95th), Pierce City’s Ginger Leavitt (102nd), Sarcoxie’s trio of Lily Garrison (124th), Jordyn Misner (139th) and Natasha Garcia (149th) and Pierce City’s Emily Haasse (154th).
Brentwood’s Kensington Curd was the Class 2 champion in 19:24.
The top four teams were Lafayette County (111), Woodland (138), Hermann (142) and Stockton (143).
There were 157 runners and 16 teams.
Notes: College Heights Christian will have girls competing in Saturday’s Class 3 race at 9:45 a.m.
The Class 4-5 races are also scheduled to be held on Saturday, with local schools Carl Junction, Webb City and Joplin set to compete.
McAuley’s Trae Veer (338) and Will Mollnow (334) are pictured during the Class 1 state cross country meet. Both finished in the top 30 to earn all-state honors. Photos by Chris Auckley.
Thomas Jefferson’s Liam Cook (418) is pictured during Friday’s MSHSAA Cross Country Championships. A freshman, Cook finished 34th in Class 1. Photos by Chris Auckley.
McAuley Catholic senior Kendall Ramsey finished her prep cross country career as a four-time state qualifier and a two-time state medalist. All photos by Chris Auckley.
The Tigers didn’t hold a lead until the 18-second mark of the second quarter. In fact, Raytown South raced out to a 14-0 lead, with the second score coming after a surprising onside kick that the home side recovered.
