Jace Jones hurries Neosho quarterback Quenton Hughes.

District leading Cardinals head to Branson as regular season ends

October 19, 2023

Alex Dunne’s field goal extends the Cardinals’ lead to 23-18 in the third quarter.

The Webb City Cardinals are going into their last regular-season game Friday at Branson as the points leader in Class 5 District 7.

The 6-2 Cardinals have earned 44.34 points, compared to second-best Raytown South, which has an equal record. Carthage, with a 4-4 record, is in third place.

If the Cardinals maintain first place in the district, they will get an opening-round bye on Oct. 27.

On senior night last week, Webb City pulled away from Neosho in the second half for a 37-18 win.

Noah Durman’s first-quarter touchdown gave the Cardinals an early 7-0 lead.

Gabe Johnson followed that with two touchdowns, and it appeared Webb City would go into halftime with a 20-6 lead. However, with 42 seconds left, Neosho scored a passing touchdown to make it 20-12. Webb City blocked both of the Wildcats’ extra-point attempts.

Neosho got even closer, 20-18, in the third quarter, failing to tie the score with a 2-point conversion attempt.

Alex Dunne’s field goal stretched Webb City’s lead to 23-18.

Jackson Lucas caught a 37-yard touchdown pass to make it 30-18.

And Andrew Young put the game away with an interception that he returned for a touchdown.

Coach McFarland’s perspective

Mistakes early, but team never gives up

Another week and another great second half effort by our team. I am proud of our players for their ability to fight adversity and their never give up attitude.

We had too many mental mistakes early in the game and we need to eliminate those mistakes before we get to district games.

Getting back to a complete game is the goal at Branson

Coach Aaron Hafner has done a great job in his second year as the head coach of the Branson Pirates. They have a 4-4 record with an impressive win over Carthage. They run an option offense and do a great job of converting third downs and keeping possession of the ball.

We have not played a complete game (offense, defense, special teams) since the Joplin game in week 4. Our focus has been on eliminating mistakes and ending the season playing a complete game for our last regular season game.

A win would guarantee the one seed in our district, which would give us a first-round bye and home field advantage through the district championship game.

Jackson Lucas runs to the end zone after catching a Gabe Johnson pass.

Noah Durman runs through Neosho’s defense.

Andrew Young runs unhindered to the end zone as he converts his interception into a pick 6.