The Webb City Cardinals (3-1) host the Carl Junction Bulldogs (1-3) at 7 on Friday night in a Central Ozark Conference rivalry clash at Cardinal Stadium.
Carl Junction’s record doesn’t quite tell the whole story, as the Bulldogs have only been outscored 103-97 in 2020.
Webb City coach John Roderique is well aware of that statistic.
“They’ve lost a couple of close ones against quality opponents and they’re a really good team,” Roderique said. “They’re a much-improved team from a year ago for sure. We’ll have to play well.”
The Bulldogs suffered back-to-back 21-20 losses in Week 2 and Week 3 to Carthage and Branson, respectively.
THE CARDINALS
Ranked second in Class 5 by the Missouri Media, Webb City has outscored its opponents 134-69.
Winners of three straight, Cardinals are averaging 349 rushing yards and 66 passing yards per game.
Senior running back Devrin Weathers has compiled 621 rushing yards with 12 touchdowns. Junior Cade Wilson has contributed 205 yards with three scores.
Senior quarterback Cole Gayman has rushed for 185 yards and passed for 230 yards on 11 completions with three touchdowns and one interception. Cohl Vaden has hauled in three passes for 73 yards and Gary Clinton has caught five passes for 63.
Lucas Ott leads the team with 32 tackles, 22 solo, while Brayden Hollingsworth (23), Treghan Parker (21), Roger Carranco (20), Gavin Stowell (15) and Matt McDaniel (15) are other defensive leaders. Hollingsworth has recorded three sacks, while Parker has two interceptions.
THE BULLDOGS
The Bulldogs racked up 501 yards last week in a 49-28 loss to Joplin, with 338 passing and 153 rushing.
Senior quarterback Alex Baker completed 27-of-44 pass attempts with two touchdowns and two interceptions.
Noah Southern (103 yards), Colton Bourgault (96) and Drew Patterson (90) led the receiving corps, while Brady Sims led the ground attack with 72 rushing yards.
Carl Junction’s balanced offense will test the Cardinal defense, which has only allowed 38 total points the last three weeks.
“They’re a much more balanced team as far as the run and the pass than what we’ve seen so far,” Roderique said. “Doug (Buckmaster) has always been a really good offensive mind.”
Southern, Jaycob Colgin and Jesse Cassat are leaders of the CJ defense.
The Bulldogs will look to snap a three-game skid.
WEEK 5: CARL JUNCTION AT WEBB CITY
Records: Carl Junction 1-3, Webb City 3-1
Last week: Carl Junction lost to Joplin 49-28, Webb City beat Kickapoo 38-10.
Last year: Webb City beat Carl Junction 34-0
HOW TO WATCH: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/webbcity/
