By Anvil Welch
awelch@joplinglobe.com
Neosho coach Shawn Flannigan doesn’t want a similar start to this week’s prep football game that hampered the Wildcats last week.
“Most definitely,” Flannigan agreed Thursday.
Neosho fell behind 14-0 and 28-6 in the first period in losing 55-27 at unbeaten Carthage.
“We knew we couldn’t allow them (the Tigers) to get off to a fast start. That was a point of emphasis during the week. It makes it hard to come back when you spot them that many points.”
It goes without saying that Flannigan considers it imperative for the Wildcats to start strong tonight against visiting Webb City in the Central Ozark Conference, Large Division.
“Webb City is the same it’s been for several years,” Flannigan said. “They’re sound on both offense and defense.”
Kickoff between the Cardinals (5-0, 3-0) and Wildcats (3-2, 1-1) is set for 7 p.m. at Bob Anderson Stadium.
Webb City coach John Roderique said the Wildcats are capable of offering a challenge.
“Without question,” he said. “They opened with three very good winning performances before losing (28-27) to Nixa in a game that could have gone either way (and Carthage).
“Neosho has several players returning,” Roderique said. “The Wildcats have the ability to do several things on offense. They run the ball well and they pass it well, too, out of the spread.
“Individually, the Morrisons (senior brothers Nick and Xavier) really have played well,” Roderique said. “(Senior) Cody Holland is a standout in the line. (Senior) Anthony Westfield seems to do everything for them. He’s very versatile. Both quarterbacks (junior Kyle Dickens and sophomore Alex Wise) have the ability to make plays. Wise is very promising.”
Nick Morrison is a wide receiver/cornerback and Xavier a receiver/defensive end. Westfield, in addition to a receiver/linebacker, punts, return punts and is the long snapper.
Wise has completed 34-of-76 passes for 604 yards and nine touchdowns. Nick Morrison and Westfield have combined for 29 receptions, more than 500 yards and eight scores.
“We need to contain the Webb City quarterback (senior Mack Kyle),” Flannigan said. “They have numerous other weapons on offense but Kyle is the key. He’s the catalyst.”
Kyle has thrown for 408 yards and four touchdowns and rushed for 240 yards and three scores to complement junior Braxton Baker (698 rushing yards and 11 scores) and senior Seth Helton (five TDs).
Said Roderique: “It’s a cliche, but we need our offense to keep the ball so that the time of possession is on our side as well as to keep their offense off the field.”
Added Flannigan: “We need to have an advantage in turnovers ... we have to take care of the ball.”
Notes: Three Neosho players are expected to miss the game because of injuries, Flannigan said. They are seniors Ethan Adams and Evan Baker and junior J.D. Jackson. ... Union, also 5-0, has climbed from fourth to replace Webb City at No. 3 in rankings compiled by the Missouri Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association.
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Start of game key for Neosho against Webb City
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