After concerns over the possible impact of the coronavirus pandemic lingered for months, there’s good news—Week 1 of the 2020 prep football season has officially arrived in Southwest Missouri.
And we’re treated to a marquee matchup right away.
Class 4 defending state champion Webb City travels to Joplin, last year’s Class 6 runner-up, on Friday night in an intriguing season opener at Junge Field. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
Webb City coach John Roderique noted he’s more than pleased his team will get the opportunity to play the Week 1 contest, as teams in the St. Louis are not yet able to play while other states have pushed fall sports to the spring.
“We appreciate the opportunity to play,” Roderique said. “Some teams are unable to play. It goes back to the values of athletics and what it means to work with kids. It’s huge just to have the opportunity to play.”
Unlike the last two meetings, which the visiting team won on both occasions, this year’s clash will not be contested in front of a huge crowd.
There will only be 2,000 fans in attendance on Friday due to concerns over the spread of the coronavirus, with face coverings mandatory and social distancing encouraged.
No tickets will be sold to the general public. Joplin High School is distributing 1,250 tickets to parents, staff and students, while Webb City will have 750 tickets to hand out.
Roderique noted a smaller crowd shouldn’t have an impact on the game’s result.
“I don’t think that’s going to be a huge factor for our kids,” he said. “It’s still just about going out there, playing hard and having fun.”
As far as basic keys to the game, Webb City’s offense will need to sustain drives and limit turnovers and penalties.
Of course, the Webb City offense features Kansas State recruit Devrin Weathers at running back and Arkansas State commit Gary Clinton at tight end. Both Eli Goddard and Cole Gayman are expected to see reps under center.
The Webb City defense, led by all-state defensive back Treghan Parker, will need to limit Joplin’s big plays.
“They’ve got a tremendous amount of speed,” Roderique said of the Eagles. “The (Nathan) Glades kid is an exceptional athlete. Their receivers and their quarterback (Always Wright) are good athletes. I’m impressed with their overall athleticism and speed after replacing a lot of guys from last year. They’re an impressive looking team. It’s hard to emulate their offense in practice, so it’s a matter of learning on the run. The speed of the game changes at this point, and big plays are always a big factor.”
LAST YEAR’S MEETING
On a night they were playing with heavy hearts after the death of Kadin Roberts-Day just days earlier, the Eagles earned a 35-28 win over the Cardinals in front of nearly 7,500 fans at a packed Cardinal Stadium.
In a touching scene, the two teams game together before the clash.
Despite holding the Eagles to one touchdown in the second half, Webb City was unable to overcome five turnovers. It was Joplin’s first win over Webb City since 1990.
HOW TO WATCH
Fox Sports Joplin’s live stream for Friday’s game can be found here: http://www.citylinktv.com/channel/joplin-web-tv/.
MORE ON WEBB CITY: https://somo-sports.com/highlights/2020-football-preview-defending-champion-webb-city-cardinals-reloaded-again/
