CARL JUNCTION, Mo. — After suffering a humbling setback in the season opener, the Webb City Cardinals needed to get well in Week 2.
It’s safe to say they did just that.
Propelled by a fast start, Webb City grabbed the momentum early and never relinquished it en route to a dominating 47-7 win over Carl Junction on Thursday night in a Central Ozark Conference clash at Bulldog Stadium.
“No one likes losing that first game, especially at home,” Webb City senior standout Dante Washington said. “We felt like we had to redeem ourselves tonight. Tonight was a great experience. It’s a great feeling.”
Simply put, the Cardinals bounced back nicely from last Friday’s loss to Nixa with what could be described as a statement victory.
“We’d talked about how important it was for us to come out and play well,” Webb City coach John Roderique said. “Sometimes you just need a win to make you feel better. I thought our kids were really focused and played well. They were definitely ready to play. We feel better this week, but we still have to make corrections and get better.”
On the first night of September, the Cardinals held a comfortable 34-0 cushion at intermission, taking advantage of four first half Carl Junction turnovers, three interceptions and a lost fumble.
“I thought getting off to a fast start was huge,” Roderique said. “We got the momentum really quick. Our defense got a stop and gave our offense a short field. And then our offense was able to convert. The start was definitely what we would want and obviously not what they would want. I think it was all about getting started quick and getting some positive things going for us.”
Carl Junction’s first drive ended with a fumble, with Webb City recovering.
Landon Johnson scored on the fourth play of Webb City’s first series on a 26-yard QB keeper.
Taking advantage of great field position after a short punt, the Cardinals went up 12-0 with 7:03 remaining in the first quarter on Omari Jackson’s 1-yard touchdown run.
In a highlight reel play, Washington showed off his speed and elusiveness on the way to an 82-yard punt return touchdown.
“With the adrenaline going, I was just excited to touch the ball,” said Washington, who returned three punts for 151 yards and also converted three PAT kicks. “Anytime I touch the ball I want to make the best play out of it. My guys were blocking great and I had the opportunity to take it all the way back.”
The ensuing 2-point conversion made it 20-0.
Taking a direct snap out of the wildcat formation, Washington sprinted to a 37-yard touchdown run with 7:13 left in the second quarter, making it 27-0.
“Dante is a dynamic guy,” Roderique said. “The biggest takeaway from last week was we need to get him the ball more.”
Cole Cavitt’s 21-yard touchdown sprint up the middle with just under two minutes to play in the first half gave the visitors a commanding 34-0 cushion.
Webb City added second half touchdowns by Aidan Alberty and Breckin Galardo to take a 47-0 lead. With that, six different players reached the end zone for the Cardinals.
Carl Junction got on the board with 2:30 remaining on Tony Stewart’s 17-yard run.
The game was played on Thursday due to ref shortages in the area. Both teams hit the field less than a week after their respective season openers.
“I was concerned about the short week, but our kids really stepped up,” Roderique said. “We didn’t have much prep time. I’m proud of our kids and I’m proud of our coaches.”
NAMES & NUMBERS
Webb City compiled 327 yards, with 270 rushing and 57 passing. Johnson ran for 65 yards, while Alberty added 51.
“Landon played really well and he directed the offense really well,” Roderique said. “Our offensive line did a good job. And I thought our coaches did a great job this week of getting our kids prepared.”
Kaylor Darnell, Greyson Smith and Billy Wolfe had interceptions.
Roderique noted he was pleased with the play of his team’s defense, which didn’t give up much all night.
“Outstanding,” Roderique said. “We had guys making plays everywhere. We played with so much energy. It was a great team defensive effort.”
Carl Junction recorded 190 yards, with 97 rushing and 93 passing.
Stewart ran 10 times for 37 yards, while Dexter Merrell had 32 rushing yards on nine carries. Merrell completed 7-of-20 passes for 97 yards with three interceptions. Malakhi Moore had 41 receiving yards on one catch.
Ranked second in Class 5 by the Missouri Media, Webb City improved to 1-1.
Receiving votes in Class 4, Carl Junction fell to 1-1. The Bulldogs were coming off an impressive 42-21 Week 1 victory at Ozark.
In Week 3, Webb City hosts Republic and Carl Junction is at Neosho.
FULL STATS: Webb City HS (webbcitycardinals.com)
WEBB CITY 47, CARL JUNCTION 7
WC 20 14 6 7 — 47
CJ 0 0 0 7 — 7
SCORING SUMMARY
WC: Landon Johnson 26-yard run (Kick failed)
WC: Omari Jackson 1 run (Run failed)
WC: Dante Washington 82 punt return (Jackson run)
WC: Washington 37 run (Washington kick)
WC: Cole Cavitt 21 run (Washington kick)
WC: Aiden Alberty 30 run (Kick failed)
WC: Breckin Galardo 5 run (Washington kick)
CJ: Tony Stewart 17 run (Xavier Perkins kick)
