By Anvil Welch
awelch@joplinglobe.com
A second chance.
It can come quickly in the MSHSAA football playoffs.
Branson has that opportunity tonight in the first round of the Class 4 playoffs.
The Pirates (6-4) visit Webb City (10-0) with kickoff scheduled for 7 at Cardinal Stadium.
Webb City coach John Roderique said Tuesday the Cardinals will be without three players for tonight’s game.
“The suspensions were because of a violation of team rules and it will affect three players,” Roderique said. “I won’t discuss the incidents or name the players.”
Branson will be striving to avenge a 49-7 loss administered by visiting Webb City in Week 7.
Said Branson coach Steve Hancock: “We entered that game believing we could compete. We were very frustrated and disappointed at the end of it. We were very disappointed with our performance.
“It isn’t often you get a second chance to show what you can do,” Hancock said.
Said Roderique: “Obviously, it wasn’t one of Branson’s better games ... in muddy, sloppy conditions.
“It actually seems a long time ago that we played them,” Roderique said. “But it was Oct. 9.”
All-state running back Braxton Baker rushed for four touchdowns as the Cardinals built a 35-7 halftime lead.
“Give Webb City credit,” Hancock said. “They took care of business.”
Branson needed a 14-yard scoring run from quarterback Cameron Chancey with 44 seconds left to beat Republic 25-20 last Friday and earn the shot at Webb City.
“The Republic game shows the Branson ability with its back to the wall,” Roderique said. “They have some moxie.”
Roderique said the Pirates appear a bit different on defense.
“They’ve changed schemes a bit,” he said. “They seem to have improved. They have more speed on the defensive side of the ball.”
Said Hancock of the suspensions: “We have to approach it as a normal game. All this stuff going on has nothing to do with us.
“We know playing Webb City will be a challenge for us,” Hancock said. “It doesn’t matter who is playing or who isn’t playing.
“You hate to see it happen to anyone,” Hancock said. “It can happen to anyone.”
Hancock said that 185-pound senior Tee Helsel sprained a knee in practice before the Republic game.
“He was questionable but wound up scoring a touchdown and carrying 12 times for 93 yards,” Hancock said. “Hopefully, he’ll be OK for Webb City.”
Helsel has rushed 135 times for 944 yards. Fullback Brandon Mahoney, a 210 junior, has rushed for 476 yards.
Chancery, a junior, has rushed for 455 yards and thrown for 1,134 yards and 10 scores on 74-for-139 accuracy.
Michael Spain, a 200-pound senior tight end, is the Pirates’ leading receiver with 21 receptions for 505 yards and five touchdowns.
The scenario in 2008 for Branson was similar during an 8-3 campaign. They lost 34-13 and 34-0 decisions as the Cardinals finished 15-0.
Webb City, ranked No. 1 this season in Class 4 by the Missouri Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association, puts a 25-game winning streak on the line.
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