The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO

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November 21, 2012

Webb City's opponent has played tough schedule

Helias has won six straight since 4-4 start

By Anvil Welch Globe Sports Writer

You’ve heard it before: Records can be deceiving.

Jefferson City Helias Catholic and Webb City are 10-4 and 14-0, respectively, entering the 11 a.m. Saturday showdown for MSHSAA Class 4 supremacy in the Show-Me Bowl at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis.

You better believe Webb City coaches have been telling their players to forget those four losses for the Crusaders.

Toss those records out the window (you’ve heard that before, too). Just concentrate on the fact that Helias enters with a six-game winning streak.

The Crusaders have played a tough schedule (that’s bordering on a cliche).

Helias lost its opening game of the season 38-37 in overtime at Harrisonville on Aug. 24. That was avenged last Saturday as the Crusaders prevailed 17-7 at Harrisonville to reach the final.

Other losses for the Crusaders: 21-14 to Columbia Hickman on Sept. 14, 35-6 to Columbia Rock Bridge on Sept. 28 and 42-14 to St. Louis CBC on Oct. 12.

Helias defeated Hannibal 31-18 on Oct. 20 to begin the Crusaders’ current winning streak.

Harrisonville wound up 11-3 with its other losses 28-12 at Savannah and 21-14 to Oak Grove, Hickman and Rock Bridge, both Class 6, were 9-2 and 7-4, respectively.

Hickman, in District 6-3, ousted Rock Bridge 10-7 in overtime before losing 45-0 to Francis Howell in the final. CBC (11-1) lost 56-35 to DeSmet in the 6-2 final.

Helias certainly doesn’t lack motivation against the Cardinals. Webb City, playing at home in 2011 in the second round, jolted the Crusaders 63-21.

Webb City leftovers: “They were accommodating and did a great job hosting that game,” Cardinal coach John Roderique said of St. Mary’s (which lost to Webb City in the semifinals last Saturday). “St. Mary’s was a great example of sportsmanship and that’s what athletics are all about.” ... Leading tacklers for Webb City in the 47-7 win were Dalton Humphrey (total of 10). Logan Williams (9) and Todd Fowler (7). Williams had four solo stops. ... Also, Austin White had both an interception and fumble recovery for the Cardinals. ...  Landon Baker recovered the game-opening onside kick by the Cardinals.

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