By Anvil Welch

awelch@joplinglobe.com

Branson coach Steve Hancock sees tonight’s game at Webb City as a second chance for the Pirates.

Webb City beat the visiting Pirates 34-13 less than a month ago en route to a 6-0 finish in the Large Division of the Central Ozark Conference.

“I don’t believe we can play any worse than we did in that first half,” Hancock said Tuesday. “Hopefully, we’ve learned from that experience.”

Branson (8-2) challenges third-ranked Webb City (10-0) at 7 tonight at Cardinal Stadium in the first round of the MSHSAA Class 4 playoffs.

Branson fell behind 21-0 on Oct. 10 after one quarter and Webb City added another touchdown on its first possession in the second quarter to make it 27-0 in a clash of unbeatens.

Seth Helton’s 5-yard run, free safety Boo Rodgers’ 40-yard interception return and Mack Kyle’s passes covering 22 and 10 yards to tight end Austin Lepper provided touchdowns for Webb City.

“They came out storming,” Hancock said of the homecoming performance by the Cardinals. “We didn’t come out ready for war.

“We have a second chance,” Hancock said. “Usually you don’t get second chances. Now, we have that opportunity. We’ll see how we respond.”

Branson won 39-28 at Republic last week to earn another shot at the Cardinals.

“Like districts, this is a new season,” Webb City coach John Roderique said. “You can’t think too much about that earlier game. What happened last time has little impact.

“We can’t sit back and believe it’s just going to happen,” Roderique said. “You can’t rest on your laurels.

“Branson, a physical team, has expanded its offense,” Roderique said. “They’ve moved Tee Helsel to tailback (from quarterback) and put a sophomore, Cameron Chancey, at quarterback. They threw for about 200 yards against Republic and Helsel scored five touchdowns.”

Helsel, who returned an interception 35 yards for a TD, also scored on runs of 25, 1, 1 and 26 yards. The 26-yarder in the fourth quarter nailed down the victory.”