In 2021, the Webb City Cardinals proved it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.
The Cardinals put together a magical run to conclude the season, earning seven straight wins en route to a Class 5 state championship.
Webb City didn’t exactly have an easy path to the championship, as the Cards beat No. 1 Jackson, No. 2 Carthage and No. 3 Holt on the way to the program’s first title in Class 5.
“Last year, our football team developed a little slower,” Webb City coach John Roderique said. “We started the season as an average team, but we really persevered and became a good team. With very few returning players, and with many young players contributing, it took a while for us to reach our potential. Our key is to always try and be the best team we can be in Week 10.”
Now, Roderique’s Cardinals once again enter a new season as the defending state champion. And with five returning starters on defense and four starters back on offense, along with a promising group of newcomers across the board, the expectations remain high for perennial power Webb City.
“We feel good about the guys we have back,” said Roderique, who has led his alma mater to 13 championships, the most by a football coach in state history. “We have some experience back, more on the defensive side, and that’s always a plus. It’s a great group of kids. It’s been a good summer. Our kids have done a great job of working hard. Right now, it’s a matter of trying to get 11 guys working together on the field. We’ve got a long way to go, but we’re going to show up every day trying to get better.”
Roderique added there’s a lot to like about this year’s squad.
“It’s enjoyable to come to work every day with these guys,” Roderique said. “We’ve got some great coaches and great kids. That’s the best part. It’s an enjoyable process of working with the kids and the coaches.”
Webb City’s returning starters on offense are senior wide receivers Dante Washington and William Hayes, senior tight end Trey Roets and junior lineman Nate Miller.
Senior Landon Johnson (6-3, 180) returns with part-time starting experience at quarterback. Johnson, who started four games in place of Cohl Vaden, completed 27 passes for 457 yards with five touchdowns and also recorded 99 rushing yards with two scores.
Braden McKee, a 6-2 junior, is another option under center.
Despite losing both Cade Wilson and Dupree Jackson to graduation, a duo that combined for 46 rushing touchdowns, Webb City does return some experience at the running back position. Senior Max Stovern (270 yards, 2TD) and junior Omari Jackson (177 yards, 3TD) gained plenty of experience out of the backfield last season and are expected to take on bigger roles this year. Senior Aidan Alberty and junior Cole Cavitt are among several other running back candidates.
Webb City features a returning all-conference performer at wide receiver in Washington (6-0, 180), a player who hauled in 28 passes for 612 yards and eight touchdowns in ’21. Washington was also an all-state selection as a kick returner.
“Dante is a dynamic playmaker on both sides of the ball and in special teams,” Roderique noted.
Hayes (6-2, 175) caught 23 passes for 375 yards and two scores last fall.
“William is a three-sport athlete who has really improved himself physically,” Roderique said. “He has range and versatility. He could get some time on the defensive side of the ball this year, as well.”
Seniors Cy Darnell and Eli Miller are other options at wide receiver.
Roets (6-3, 220) is a returning starter at tight end after hauling in nine passes for 160 yards and two scores last season.
“Trey had an outstanding junior season and looks to be even better this year,” Roderique said.
Juniors Jonah Spieker and Drew Vonder Haar are other tight end candidates.
Miller (6-2, 240) is a returning starter up front.
“Nate has had an outstanding offseason and has become much stronger,” Roderique said. “He’ll be a leader in our offensive line.”
Seniors Braeden Christian and Tom Mouser are other possible starting offensive linemen.
The team’s returning starters on defense are seniors Lucas Ott (DE/LB), A.J. Bash (DL), Billy Wolfe (LB), Kaylor Darnell (DB) and Washington (DB).
Ott (6-3, 220) earned all-state and all-COC honors last year after making 125 tackles last season with three sacks.
“Lucas has been our long snapper since his freshman year, and he has a bright future there,” Roderique said. “Last season he was an unsung hero for us switching from LB to DE, where he really solidified our defense late in the year.”
Bash (6-0, 230) recorded 46 tackles last year.
“A.J. has really developed into an outstanding defensive lineman for us,” Roderique noted. “He’s versatile and can play inside tackle or end.”
Junior Jace Jones (6-5, 230) is a top newcomer up front.
Wolfe (6-3, 205) had 76 tackles last season from the linebacker position.
“Billy has a very unique skill set,” Roderique said. “He’s an impressive athlete with great length and speed.”
Other possible linebackers include seniors Colton Gordon and McQuade Eilenstein and juniors Jordan Howard and Christian Brock.
Kaylor Darnell earned all-state and all-conference recognition after a standout junior season that saw him record 115 tackles.
“We look for Kaylor to be a leader in our secondary this year,” Roderique commented. “He is the quarterback of the defense.”
Washington grabbed a team-high five interceptions last season.
Along with Darnell and Washington, Webb City could utilize senior Grayson Smith, Cy Darnell, Hayes, junior William Headrick, senior Kenley Hood and junior Luke Gayman at the defensive back positions.
THIS ‘N THAT
The Cardinals captured a 22nd straight district championship last fall and finished with a record of 11-3. Webb City’s football program has now won 16 state championships, the most in state history. Roderique, now in his 26th season at the helm, owns an eye-opening career record of 309-31.
Webb City’s split-back veer offense averaged 39 points per game last fall, with averages of 276 rushing yards and 102 passing yards per contest.
The Cardinals’ 6-2 stack monster defense allowed 12.5 points per game last season. Opponents averaged 147 passing yards and 95 rushing yards per contest in ’21.
In Week 2, Webb City will play at Carl Junction on Sept. 1 for a Thursday night clash. Several area teams have a Thursday night game this season, with referee shortages given as the reason.
Webb City’s already impressive coaching staff has added Dave Wiemers as the defensive coordinator. Wiemers was Emporia State’s head coach from 2001-06, was Pittsburg State’s longtime defensive coordinator and coached at rival Carthage last season.
“Coach Wiemers is a very experienced coach,” Roderique said. “He brings a lot of energy and is a poised guy. Sometimes doing a few things a little different isn’t bad.”
Ryan McFarland will once again be the offensive coordinator, while former Lamar head coach Scott Bailey is the defensive line coach. Of course, Bailey led Lamar to seven state championships during his tenure.
WEEK 1 SHOWDOWN
Defending Class 5 state champ Webb City hosts Class 6 Nixa on Friday in a highly anticipated Week 1 showdown. The Eagles return a solid core from last year’s team that went 8-3.
“It’s going to be tough,” Roderique said. “They’re a talented bunch. The biggest thing in Week 1 is to find out where you’re at. We intend to be much like other teams before. We’ll be a team that needs to play well on defense early on so our offense can develop.”
2022 SCHEDULE: https://www.mshsaa.org/MySchool/Schedule.aspx?s=227&alg=19
