Webb City takes care of Har-Ber

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Globe/T. Rob Brown Webb City quarterback John Roderique works to avoid Har-Ber defenders Jerry Wood (left) and Dalton Clinkscales (3) during Friday night's game, Aug. 31, 2012, at Webb City's field.
Globe/T. Rob Brown Webb City runningback Phoenix Johnson gets congratulated by coach John Roderique after Johnson scored the team's third touchdown against Har-Ber during Friday night's game, Aug. 31, 2012, at Webb City's field.

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September 1, 2012

Webb City takes care of Har-Ber

By Anvil Welch Globe Sports Writer The Joplin Globe Sat Sep 01, 2012, 12:54 AM CDT

WEBB CITY, Mo. — Webb City built a 23-0 lead and held off Springdale Har-Ber 30-15 in an early high school football test on Friday night in Cardinal Stadium.

Webb City, rated No. 1 in Missouri Class 4 and two-time defending state champion, won its 32nd game in a row — a team record — and a state-record 83rd straight regular-season game.

Har-Ber, a solid favorite in Arkansas media circles, entered its season opener ranked fourth in Class 7A.

Webb City is at Carthage and Har-Ber returns to Missouri — Columbia Rock Bridge — next week.

Said Har-Ber coach Chris Wood: “Webb City was very disciplined. Early, they got after us. They punched us in the mouth.

“They earned the victory,” Wood said. “Our kids played very hard. Webb City did a better job of executing.”

Har-Ber, sparked by No. 2 quarterback Pierce Phillips, scored in the fourth period to create the final score and was driving for another touchdown with less than two minutes remaining before Austin White’s interception at the Cardinal 4 basically sealed the win.

“I was concerned,” Cardinal coach John Roderique said of the Har-Ber flurry. “That was a huge play by White.

The Cardinals finished with 294 rushing yards and 127 passing. The Wildcats finished 78 on the ground and 243 passing.

“I was so happy with the way our defense played,” Roderique said. “I’m excited for those guys and their coaches. Both the offensive and defensive lines were outstanding.

“I was so proud of our guys — the entire team,” Roderique said. “They were an improved team compared to our first game.”

Phoenix Johnson, who rushed for 137 yards on 24 carries, had scoring runs of three and four yards and caught a 64-yard scoring pass from John Roderique.

Cooper Smith added a 7-yard scoring run and finished with 101 yards on 27 carries. Roderique added 49 on 11 carries.

“Maybe we should have thrown the ball more (they were 4 of 7 for 127 yards),” Coach John Roderique said. “But we wanted to control the football. ... nickel and dime it.”

The Cardinals’ first scoring drive — capped by Johnson’s 3-yard run at 5:05 in the first period — was a 14-play, 65-yard march. Alex Easley added the first of four extra points.

A short punt quickly set up the next Webb City score. The Cardinals zipped 25 yards in five plays with Cooper Smith scoring from the 7 on first down at 1:25 after carries for of 12 and 10 by Johnson and Roderique keyed the drive.

Johnson came out of the backfield on third-and-9 to snare Roderique’s pass for the 64-yarder down the left sideline at 3:35 that capped an eight-play, 98-yard drive.

Dalton Humphrey’s safety came early in the third period to make it 23-0 before Har-Ber scored on Kyle Pianalto’s 10-yard pass to Gus Vitt.

But Webb City answered with Johnson’s 4-yard scoring run coming on the first play in the final quarter to cap a seven-play, 75-yard march. Jalen Vaden had two receptions for 50 yards during the drive.

Har-Ber scored its second touchdown in the fourth period on Phillips’ 8-yard pass to Nick Byrne.

The two Har-Ber quarterbacks combined to throw for the 243 on 16 of 26. Phillips was 7 of 11 for 116. Byrne caught 10 passes for 127 yards.