By Anvil Welch
Globe Sports Writer
WEBB CITY, Mo. —
Webb City began with a surprise — an onside kick that was recovered and converted into a touchdown with only 11 seconds elapsed — and charged past Willard 66-0 on Friday night in Central Ozark Conference Large Division prep football.
Maddy Johnson, following a minor penalty on the Cardinals, ran 54 yards for the touchdown.
“Assistants Mike Smith (defensive coordinator) and Richie Adkins combined to make that call,” Cardinal head coach John Roderique said. “You want to keep opponents off balance and perhaps upcoming opponents will have to think about those plays.”
Cardinal Christian Hoffmann then recovered a botched punt attempt by the Tigers — from their 28-yard line — in the end zone and Alex Easley’s second conversion kick made it 14-0 with 9:42 on the clock.
The Cardinals, who are ranked second in Missouri Class 4 behind defending champion Kearney, improved to 2-0 in the COC Large and dropped the Tigers to 0-2.
“Early, we had some mistakes,” Roderique said. “But our players came out focused.
“Our kids defensively played very well,” Roderique said. “No points. ... that’s an outstanding effort.”
Scott Roderique’s recovery in the end zone of a teammate’s fumble after a short run made it 21-0 after one quarter.
It was 45-0 at the half. Austin Daniel snared a 33-yard scoring pass from Roderique’s, Johnson dashed 62 yards for his second TD, Slade Byford carried 15 for another and Easley’s 22-yard field goal with 6.3 seconds left provided the points.
The Cardinals, who had six quarterbacks take snaps, totaled 537 yards to 152 for Willard.
Johnson had 128 yards on just six carries to key a 416 effort on the ground and Roderique added 76 on four cracks. Breckin Williams added 67 on two carries, Slade Byford 58 on six and Jamison Cady 41 on eight.
The Cardinals threw for 121 on 8-for-11 accuracy with Roderique 5 of 7 for 93 and Williams 3 of 3 for 28. Daniel had six receptions for 97 yards.
Willard rushed for 102 yards on 33 carries and threw for 50 on three of 12.
Cady’s 1-yard plunge and Williams’ 52-yard run gave Webb City TDs in the third quarter.
Sophomore John Roderique, the coach’s son, closed out the scoring in the fourth with a 4-yard run. Chase Capron booted his second extra point.
“The kids up front did a good job on the drive that was capped by John’s touchdown,” the elder Roderique said.
The teams remain in the COC Large Division next week. Webb City entertains Branson and Carthage travels to Willard.
