Webb City High School football coach John Roderique had an obvious message for his players this week.
“We need to come out focused and ready to play,” Roderique said Thursday before the start of the Cardinals’ practice.
And, apparently, it isn’t just homecoming that has Roderique concerned.
“We had a rough first quarter last week (at Willard),” Roderique said. “We didn’t do a good job of that (being focused and mentally ready to face the Tigers).”
Webb City wound up winning 45-0 last week to hike winning streaks to 36 overall and 87 during the regular season.
Neosho visits Webb City for today’s 7 p.m. homecoming contest at Cardinal Stadium. Homecoming festivities will start at about 6:30, Roderique said.
The Class 4 top-ranked, two-time defending state champion Cardinals are 6-0 overall and 4-0 in the Central Ozark Conference Large Division. Jared Schoonover’s Wildcats are 0-6, 0-4.
“Neosho is a team that has gone to a new offense — the ‘flexbone.’ It causes some concern,” Roderique said.
Schoonover couldn’t be contacted to ask about the different look on offense.
“We thought,” Roderique added, “they (the Wildcats) did a good job with it last week considering it was relatively new.
“We defensively have to be very disciplined and physical,” Roderique said. “We have to really play well on first and second downs. The flexbone gives you triple-option opportunities.”
Nixa handed the Wildcats a 41-0 setback last week.
“The Neosho quarterback (165-pound junior Justin McKee) does a pretty good job,” Roderique said. “(Christian) Lopez (220 senior) is a real pounder at fullback.”
Notes: Cardinal junior running back Trey Parra remains sidelined for tonight’s contest, Roderique said. But senior Landon Baker is expected to resume punting duty. ... Former Neosho coach Shawn Flannigan has a big game in Arkansas with his Rogers Mounties entertaining Bentonville in a clash of 5-0 Class 7A teams. Bentonville is No. 1, Springdale Har-Ber (2-3) No. 4 and Rogers 10th in Hootens.com Rankings
Sports
October 4, 2012
Roderique keeps Webb City focused as Neosho visits
- High School Sports
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Lamar sweeps discus, leads Class 2 meet after first day
From left to right, Austin Boice, Sam Bailey and Ben Bailey.
- CHC's Beaver wins 1600 state title
- Jacob Lott takes over Southeast football
- Short selected as McDonald County coach
- Carthage optimistic for sectional track
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- Missouri Southern Sports
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Lions eliminated at regional
MSSU shortstop Thomas Wilson tags Central Missouri's Barrett Noirfalise on Friday.
- 'No one deserved to lose' Southern opener against Mavs
- Lions squeezed in 14-inning loss to Minnesota State
- Lions open regional play against top-seeded Minnesota State
- Lions qualify 12 for track nationals
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- Pittsburg State Sports
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Gorillas stay alive with 3-1 win over UCO
Matt Hicks/Special to The Globe Pittsburg State shortstop Evan Thomas turns a double play during an MIAA postseason tournament game Thursday.
- 7 Lions, 8 Gorillas names all-MIAA
- Lions qualify 12 for track nationals
- Western rebounds to end Pitt State's season
- PSU baseball prepares for another backyard battle
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Lamar sweeps discus, leads Class 2 meet after first day
From left to right, Austin Boice, Sam Bailey and Ben Bailey.
Lamar placed 1-2-3 in the discus and led the team standings after the first day of the boys’ Class 2 MSHSAA Track and Field Championships at Dwight Reed Stadium.
Continued ... - CHC's Beaver wins 1600 state title
- Wilson, four others, inducted to Joplin Area Hall of Fame
- Lions eliminated at regional
- 'No one deserved to lose' Southern opener against Mavs
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