The football took a couple of bad bounces for Webb City Saturday as the Cardinals lost their chance to compete this week for the Class 5 District 6 title.

In the semifinal at Cardinal Stadium, postponed from the night before because of predicted thunderstorms, Webb City led Republic 21-7 early in the third quarter but couldn’t answer the Tigers’ next 23 points and lost 30-21.

Republic scored two touchdowns, and took possession of two onside kicks to keep the Cardinals offense off the field. 

Webb City’s defense forced Republic to punt, but from their 1-yard line, the offense was caught in the end zone for a safety.

The Tigers, 8-3, got a big surge in confidence when they achieved a 36-35 overtime victory against league-leading Nixa in week 8. They now go to Carthage Friday for the district championship.

The Cardinals’ season, which saw young players become starters because an unusual number of injuries, ends with a 6-4 record.

Coach John Roderique told the Cardinals after the game that “we can wear ourselves out with the what-ifs. But sometimes it’s not your day.

“That’s exactly how it’s going to be the rest of your life.”

He urged them to hold their heads up and gave a handshake and hug to all of the seniors.