The Webb City football program is in an all-too familiar position entering the 2020 season.
After capturing the school’s seventh state title in 10 years, the Cardinals are once again beginning a campaign as a defending state champion.
In a memorable and historic 2019 season, Webb City went 14-1 and secured the Class 4 state championship, the program’s 15th overall, which is tied for the most all-time in the Show-Me State.
Guided by hall of fame coach John Roderique, who is now 287-26 with 12 state championships and a pair of runner-up finishes at his alma mater, the Cardinals rolled to a dominating 48-0 win over Platte County in the Show-Me Bowl in Columbia, capping a stellar season in a big way.
John Roderique
“What a team,” Roderique said. “I think about where we were in the beginning versus where we ended. We became a really, really good football team last year. From Week 1 to Week 15, it was an incredible improvement our team made.
“As like many years, we started several seniors, many of who only started for one year. They really came together as the season progressed. We overcame some early injury problems at QB and were able to play our best football at the end.”
Webb City outscored its opponents 656-155 last year, knocking off four state-ranked teams in the postseason. The Cardinals, who won a district championship for the 20th straight season, ended the year with 13 straight wins, including the one-sided title game.
“Looking back, when you get the opportunity to play in the state finals it’s always a big deal,” Roderique said. “We were very proud to represent Class 4 in Columbia in what was a historic year for SWMO football with four teams reaching the title game.”
As always, the Cardinals must replace a talented group of seniors that left their mark on the program.
At the same time, Webb City returns a solid core with nine starters back this fall. Seven returning players earned all-conference recognition and five garnered all-state honors.
“I am looking forward to the opportunity to work with some great players and coaches,” Roderique said. “Our success will be directly related to the leadership we receive from our senior class.”
OFFENSE
Webb City will feature one of the top running threats in Missouri in speedy senior Devrin Weathers, a Kansas State recruit.
During a standout junior year, Weathers ran for 1,386 yards with 22 total touchdowns on the season. For his efforts, Weathers earned first-team all-state recognition from the Missouri Football Coaches Association.
A varsity performer since his freshman year, Weathers verbally committed to Kansas State in June. Weathers has compiled 2,373 rushing yards and 37 total touchdowns ahead of his senior season.
“The production he’s had the last couple of years has been amazing,” Roderique said.
Another option in the backfield is junior Cade Wilson, who saw action in 13 games in ‘19.
The Cardinals will have a new starting signal-caller this season, as Kade Hicks graduated. One option under center is senior Eli Goddard, who is battle-tested after gaining valuable experience as a junior. Goddard completed 39 passes for 695 yards and 13 touchdowns last fall.
Senior Cole Gayman is also in competition for playing time at QB. A Missouri Southern baseball recruit, Gayman missed last season after having elbow surgery.
The Cardinals possess a wealth of experience at the receiving corps.
Gary Clinton is an all-state tight end who has verbally committed to NCAA Division I Arkansas State. He caught seven passes for 119 yards and two scores in ‘19.
Senior Mekhi Garrard and junior Cohl Vaden also return after contributing nicely last season. Garrard scored four touchdowns and hauled in 15 passes for 347 yards, while Vaden had a pair of touchdown receptions and 146 yards receiving on nine receptions.
Garrard may not be available at the beginning of the season after he suffered a basketball injury over the summer.
The Cardinals return three starters on the offensive line—seniors Zetthew Meister and Grant Goltra and junior Buddy Belcher.
Meister and Goltra were all-state selections a year ago. Goltra (6-3, 265) has offers from both Missouri Southern and Pittsburg State. Hayden Bebee, Christian Kenney and Braeden Jackson are other possible starters on the o-line.
“We’ve got some of the parts as far as our o-line,” Roderique said. “In others, it’s just a matter of trying to develop those guys.”
As far as the kicking game, Cameron Clark returns. Clark made 79-of-87 PAT kicks last year.
DEFENSE
Webb City’s defense will have newcomers at many of the linebacker and lineman positions.
“Right now, we have a lot of guys to replace on defense from last year,” Roderique said. “That’s the biggest thing. We only have a few returning starters with our defensive line and linebackers. We’re replacing quite a bit.”
One leader of the defense will be senior Treghan Parker at free safety.
During a standout junior year in which he earned all-state, all-district and all-COC recognition, Parker made 91 tackles and grabbed six interceptions. Parker has a number of college offers on the table, including Missouri Southern and Pittsburg State.
Shane Noel is also a returning starter at cornerback. He made 22 tackles and had one interception last year. Cale Stephens and Eric Fitch are other possible defensive backs.
Jaystin Smith is a returner at linebacker. He made 40 tackles last season. Other candidates at the position include Roger Carranco, Brentan Wilson, Braden Hollingsworth, Jacob Ott, Gavin Stowell and Cooper Crouch.
Defensive end Matt McDaniel returns after recording 45 tackles and 6 ½ sacks last year, while Cade Emery and Lucas Ott are newcomers to watch up front.
KEY LOSSES
Among the 13 departed seniors, Webb City must replace the likes of Terrell Kabala, Hicks, Cale McCallister, Trenten Thompson, Brayden Bond, Ruben Lenker, Gavin Surber, Tanner Rogers and Ethan Ott.
Thompson, Hicks and Surber all signed to play football at Pittsburg State, while Ott inked with William Penn. Kabala is playing basketball at Arkansas-Fort Smith, Rogers is playing basketball at College of the Ozarks while McCallister signed to play baseball at Missouri Southern.
TEAM OF THE DECADE
MaxPreps recently named Webb City the state of Missouri’s most dominant high school football program of the 2010s.
The Cardinals won seven state championships during the decade (2010, ’11, ’12, ’13, ’14, ’17 and ’19), along with a runner-up finish in ‘15.
CBC and Blue Springs were second and third, respectively, in the MaxPreps poll, with Rockhurst and Lamar fourth and fifth.
BIG OPENER
The Cardinals, who may bump up to Class 5 this year, open the season on Friday, Aug. 28 at Joplin, last year’s Class 6 runner-up.
Entering his 24th season at the helm, Roderique noted the season is beginning with some question marks off the field due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its possible impact.
“This year is certainly going to be one to remember,” Roderique said. “With so much uncertainty surrounding the upcoming school year and football season, we are hoping for the best and preparing like always.”
Jason Peake is a sports reporter and podcast host for SoMo Sports. You can follow him on Twitter at @JPeakeSports. You can follow SoMo Sports on Facebook, or on Twitter at @SoMo_Sports.
