WEBB CITY, Mo. — Webb City scored on the opening kickoff and never looked back en route to a convincing 38-0 homecoming victory over Branson on Friday night at a packed Cardinal Stadium.
On the opening play of the night, Webb City junior Dante Washington fielded a squib kick deep on the 19-yard line and then sprinted 81 yards past the defense to the end zone, providing a huge spark just seconds into the game.
“I was going to run to the right side with it, but I saw the middle open up,” Washington said. “Everyone blocked for me and did what they were supposed to do. I took my chances and ran it back. It just showed them we weren’t going to play slow tonight. It set the tempo for the game.”
It did just that. The early touchdown gave the Cardinals a lead they would never relinquish.
The Cardinals, ranked fourth in Class 5 and now 4-2 on the season, led 31-0 at halftime on their way to a lopsided win.
Webb City coach John Roderique noted grabbing the momentum right away was big.
“It was a very good start and that’s always huge,” Roderique said. “It was an emotional night with homecoming and a real special group in the locker room before the game with the 2000 and 2001 state championship teams. It was a really good start and that was big. We carried that momentum on both sides of the ball for the rest of the half.”
After the early score, things continued to go Webb City’s way. On Branson’s third play from scrimmage, a Tristan Pierce pass was intercepted by Webb City’s Brentan Wilson.
Following the takeaway, the Cardinals needed just six plays to score, as Landon Johnson scored on a 1-yard QB keeper for a 13-0 lead with 8:05 left in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Webb City went up 25-0 after a 46-yard touchdown run by Omari Jackson and a 9-yard QB keeper from Johnson.
With just 16 seconds left in the first half, and facing a fourth down, Washington hauled in a 39-yard touchdown pass from Johnson to give Webb City a comfortable 31-0 cushion.
“I was talking about a post corner route all game,” Washington said. “Coach called it there late in the first half and it worked out. I couldn’t be happier.”
“That was a good momentum-builder going into halftime,” Roderique said of the play. “There wasn’t much time left, so we took a shot. Coach (Ryan) McFarland dialed one up, LJ threw a perfect ball and it was a great catch and a perfect route. Sometimes you have to take chances like that.”
Webb City’s lone score of the second half came when Gavin Stowell charged into the end zone from a yard out at the 3:44 mark of the third quarter.
The Webb City defense did not allow a touchdown for the second straight week.
“I thought our defense played really fast tonight and maybe even more physical,” Roderique said. “We always talk about the process. They’re improving. That’s the one thing we’ve really focused on…just improving every week and everyday. We had some missed tackles, but overall, I think we’re getting better. We’re proud of those guys.”
NAMES & NUMBERS
Webb City finished with 311 yards of offense, with 179 on the ground and 132 through the air.
Cade Wilson ran 12 times for 65 yards, while Jackson had 54 yards on just four carries and Stovern rushed 10 times for 49 yards.
In his second start at QB, Johnson completed 8 of 10 passes for 132 yards with one score and one INT.
Washington hauled in three passes for 77 yards. Trey Roets, William Hayes and Kaden Turner also had receptions.
Branson (2-4) had 195 yards, with 170 rushing and 25 passing.
David Hadaller led the Pirates’ ground attack with 114 yards on 26 carries.
GAME NOTES: Members of Webb City’s 2000 and ’01 state championship squads led the Cardinals down to the field before kickoff.
Webb City travels to Nixa (5-1) next Friday night.
WEBB CITY 38, BRANSON 0
Branson 0 0 0 0 — 0
Webb City 13 18 7 0 — 38
SCORING SUMMARY
WC: Dante Washington 81 kick return (Cooper Crouch kick)
WC: Landon Johnson 1 run (Kick failed)
WC: Omari Jackson run (Pass failed)
WC: Johnson 9 run (Pass failed)
WC: Washington 39 pass from Johnson (Kick failed)
WC: Gavin Stowell 1 run (Mason Quick kick)
MORE STATS: Webb City HS (webbcitycardinals.com)
