Thu, Nov 26 2009
|
|
Quick-strike offenses paired when COC foes collide again There have been plenty of changes since the two teams played the first time this season. One big change for Neosho: Confidence.
“The whole idea of winning consistently was new to them,” Flannigan said. “They know now they can play with the Webb Citys and the Carthages and the Ozarks.” Neosho won its first three games of the season, then lost three in a row. Since then, the Wildcats have won their last four games, including a 36-22 victory at Branson, a team that defeated Carthage two weeks earlier. “Our defense is playing much better,” Flannigan said. “Offensively, we have found more of an identity (sophomore Alex Wise) where before we were two-platooning at quarterback. It gives us more consistancy. “Our running game is growing into our strength. We’re much more consistant in our running game now.” Wise ran for two touchdowns against Branson and threw for two more, including a 41-yard reception by junior running back Jake Middleton. Jared Shirley, another junior, is Neosho’s leading rusher. Nick Morrison is the Wildcats’ leading receiver. “They’re a big play offense,” Guidie said. “Wise has a grasp on things, it looks like. “We have to continue to play mistake-free football, number one,” he said. “That’s something we can control. We were pretty fortunate last time (against Neosho), we blocked a punt and got an interception. You hope for those things to happen, but we expect a pretty good ballgame.” Alex Cutbirth, a two-way starting lineman, and Trevor Hole, a starting defensive back, are back in the Carthage lineup after missing the first game against Neosho due to injuries. Seniors Trey Derryberry at quarterback and Clay Kinman at receiver, along with sophomore running back Brian Poston and junior receiver/back Devron Moore give Carthage a variety of big-play opportunities, including Moore as a punt returner. “When we have Carthage in third down, we need to force them to punt,” Flannigan said. “Conversely, the other side of that is our offense gets on the field and scores some points when the defense holds.” 
•
Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.
More from the Sports section
College Heights expects to field improved team McClellan wins stock car race in return to Northwest Missouri |
Print this story
E-mail this story
Post to del.icio.us
Discuss this story
Search for and watch the day's top sports stories unfold
 |
 |
: Special Offer For New Subscribers
:
 |
|||||||
|
|||||||
 |
|
|
Published by Newspaper Holding, Inc. 117 East Fourth Street, Joplin, MO 64801 Using our site is your agreement to the terms and conditions. News: news@joplinglobe.com • (417)623-3480 Advertise with the Joplin Globe Copyright © 2006 The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO All rights reserved. 
|
Popular Business directory links - Joplin Apartments | Joplin Attorneys | Joplin Auto Dealers | Joplin Auto Parts | Joplin Auto Repair | Joplin Beauty Salons | Joplin Car Rental | Joplin Dentists | Joplin Doctors | Joplin Flowers | Joplin Hotels | Joplin Insurance | Joplin Loans | Joplin Mortgages | Joplin Movers | Joplin Pizza | Joplin Realtors | Joplin Restaurants | Joplin Storage | Joplin Tax Preparation | Joplin Travel | Joplin Featured | More...
|
|
Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc. • CNHI Classified Advertising Network • CNHI News Service |
