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.”
Rain is forecast for Wednesday night.
“It’s often said rain is an equalizer,” Roderique said. “If it rains, I’m not sure what it will mean.”
Sports
November 4, 2008
Rematches kick off prep playoffs
Branson views second meeting wih Webb City as second chance
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Outlaws open season Thursday on the road
Chris Oldner takes a cut during the Joplin Outlaws practice Tuesday afternoon. The Outlaws open their season on Thursday night at Rossville and play seven road games before their home opener on June 5.
The Joplin Outlaws and new coach Rob Vessell have set some lofty goals for the 2012 baseball season.
Continued ... - Five sign to join Missouri Southern women's track team
- Whisner ignites Joplin Miners past Webb City
- Venus Williams joins Serena on sideline in Paris
- Both sides of border hope changes make easier entry into Canada
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- Pittsburg State Sports
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- Vengels sixth in heptathlon; PSU picks up two seventh-place finishes
- Ethan Cordray signs with Pittsburg State
- Lions, Gorillas begin competition in outdoor track and field championship
- Three finalists named for PSU head baseball coach position
- Lions qualify 10, PSU 15 for Division II outdoor track meet
- Missouri Southern Sports
- High School Sports
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Area athletes turn shine at state meet
Webb City's Jarvis Jones takes sixth in the 200.
- Cleo Elbert steps down at Thomas Jefferson
- Frontenac wins first state baseball title
- Joplin's Jeremy Lynn takes fifth at state tennis
- Frontenac advances at state baseball
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