The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO

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September 6, 2012

Webb City, Carthage set to renew rivalry

By Anvil Welch Globe Sports Writer

— Carthage vs. Webb City, one of the ancient, riveting rivalries in prep football in southwest Missouri, resumes tonight with kickoff scheduled for 7 at Baker Stadium in Carthage.

“It’s a big deal around here,” Carthage coach Jon Guidie said on Thursday. “There’s excitement.”

Said Webb City coach John Roderique: “It’s Carthage vs. Webb City. It’s a great small-town rivalry. A lot of people (fans of the schools) work together. They go to church together. Both communities support their teams. The fans are passionate.

“It lends itself to what high school athletics are all about,” Roderique said.

Carthage and Webb City, two-time defending MSHSAA Class 4 champion, have opened 2-0.

“They’re piling up the yards and the points,” Roderique said of the Tigers’ wins against Seneca (61-47) and Carl Junction (41-28).

Webb City, meanwhile, opened by beating Carl Junction 44-3. The Cardinals, in their home debut last week, beat Arkansas Class 7A Springdale Har-Ber 30-15.

There are two important reasons — throw rivalry and proximity of the communities out the window — why each team wants to knock the stuffing out of the other.

It’s the Central Ozark Conference Large Division opener for both teams and they also need to win to build on their district resume.

Said Guidie: “Of course, we’re happy to be 2-0. But we still need to make a lot of improvement.

“It’s typical Webb City,” Guidie said. “They’re very fast on defense. Phoenix Johnson and Cooper Smith have performed well at running back and John Roderique is doing well at quarterback. The offensive line did a tremendous job last week against Har-Ber. It controlled the line of scrimmage.”

Countered Roderique: “The Carthage offense starts with Seth Beckner, but Jordan Musser, starting for the second year at quarterback, is doing a good job distributing he ball and making good decisions. Beckner can score from anywhere on the field.”

Musser has completed 20 of 25 passes for 500 yards and seven touchdowns with no interceptions. Beckner has eight receptions for 221 yards and four touchdowns and E.J. Morgan eight for 178 and two scores. Beckner has rushed 526 yard and five TDs on 39 carries.

Roderique has completed 10 of 14 passes for 322 yards and two TDs. His leading targets: Jalen Vaden (four receptions for 107 yards) and Kohl Slaughter (two for 94). Smith, Johnson and Roderique have rushed for 241, 190 and 143 yards, respectively, and combined for eight TDs.

Notes: Carthage lost two players for the season with injuries against Seneca: Senior DE Logan Bryan (broken leg), who’s been replaced by freshman Tyler Ralston, and sophomore specialty teams member Jacob Bass (dislocated elbow). ... Cardinals are No. 1 and Carthage No. 8 in Springfield News-Leader area ratings compiled by Matt Schoch. ... Cardinals are seeking 33rd win in a row overall and 84th straight regular-season victory.

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High School Sports