By Anvil Welch

awelch@joplinglobe.com

WEBB CITY, Mo. — Unbeaten Webb City scored on its first four possessions to start the game — fueled by quarterback Patrick Drake and his offensive allies — and then let the defense control the second half.

The 41-13 victory against Carthage in the second round of the MSHSAA Class 4 playoffs at jammed Cardinal Stadium on Monday night lifted Webb City into a quarterfinal game at Bolivar at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday.

It was the 27th win in a row for the top-ranked, defending champion Cardinals (12-0).

Sixth-ranked Bolivar (10-1), which lost to the Cardinals in 2008 in the quarterfinals, defeated Springfield Hillcrest 28-0 to advance.

Carthage, which had been projected to finish only sixth among eight teams in the Central Ozark Conference Large Division, wound up 9-3 with two of the losses at Webb City.

Drake, a senior in his first season starting on offense, scored five touchdowns on runs of 56, 3, 2, 13 and 40 yards. He finished with 153 yards on 17 carries.

Drake also hooked up with Austin Daniel for a 35-yard scoring pass and finished 7-for-17 passing 107 yards.

Said Tiger coach Jon Guidie: “Webb City was a defensive machine. They gave us fits. They were so quick in the secondary. If you have to throw the football, they’ll make you pay.”

Scott Roderique had two interceptions for the Cardinals. Chris Hance, whose pick was his eighth of the season, and Breckin Williams had one apiece.

“Patrick Drake did a great job,” Guidie said. “He exploited us a little bit.

“We knew Webb City defensively would key on Brian (Poston),” Guidie said. “Trevor (Hole) made some nice runs to take some heat off Brian.”

“Said Cardinal coach John Roderique: “The defense was stellar ... especially in the second half. Give a lot of credit to our defensive coaches (Mike Smith is the coordinator) for making adjustments at the half.”

That splendid defense in the second half, Roderique noted, came after Carthage marched 64 yards late in the second period to trail 28-14 at the half.