By Joe Hadsall

jhadsall@joplinglobe.com

CARTHAGE, Mo. — Carthage coach Jon Guidie was happy that his team beat Central Ozark Conference opponent Republic 28-7 on Friday night.

But the win didn’t ease fears about his team’s play.

“I don’t know that we have played inspired football lately,” Guidie said. “Maybe we are just anticipating next (week’s game at Webb City). But if we can’t get up for that, we’re going to have problems.”

Sputtering offense and tough defense from both teams kept Carthage’s homecoming game close — Carthage led 14-7 — throughout the first half. In the second half, Carthage’s defense was tougher, forcing three three-and-outs and an interception.

Quarterback Trey Derryberry took advantage and led the offense on two scoring drives in the fourth quarter. He passed for two touchdowns and 236 yards, connecting on 14 of 29 attempts with three interceptions.

Rushing yards were hard to earn for both teams. Running back Brian Poston ran for 65 yards and a touchdown on 20 attempts.

Guidie said the most alarming thing was the amount of penalties. Carthage was penalized seven times for 69 yards. Penalties also negated two touchdowns and two gains of more than 30 yards.

“This is starting to become a characteristic of this team, and that worries me,” Guidie said. “We had a great effort tonight, but we couldn’t get into a rhythm because of penalties.”

It appeared both teams were looking in mirrors throughout the first half. Both offenses used spread attacks and both defenses shut them down.

Guidie said his team’s defensive ends and linemen played a great game.

“We weren’t able to pressure the quarterback a lot, but they were throwing the ball early,” Guidie said. “But our ends and line did a great job applying pressure and stopping the run.”

Carthage started the game quickly. On the first play from scrimmage, Derryberry intercepted Republic quarterback Stephen Shireman and returned it to the Republic 27 yard line.

Eight plays later, Derryberry, on fourth-and-5 from the Republic 8, launched a pass into the end zone. Receiver Devron Moore made a leaping, one-handed grab for a touchdown.