The Webb City Cardinals are at Ozark this week looking to improve their 2-2 record. 

Missed opportunities on offense were a major factor in the Cardinals’ 24-8 loss last week at Joplin.

Webb City began with a 67-yard drive that was stopped on fourth down at Joplin’s 10-yard line. Two plays later, Webb City got a safety by tackling Joplin quarterback Hobbs Gooch in the end zone.

The Cardinals put together a 13-play 65-yard drive in the second quarter and looked sure to close in on Joplin’s 14-2 lead, but Joplin recovered a Webb City fumble on a third-down play. 

Webb City opened the second half by forcing the Eagles to punt.

Breckin Galardo then closed the gap to 14-8 when he scored the Cardinals’ only touchdown on a 31-yard carry. 

The Cardinals held Joplin to a field goal, making it 17-8. 

And then to start the fourth quarter, Webb City drove the ball 75 yards, including a 23-yard gain by Landon Johnson. Joplin, though, was able to stop the Cardinals on downs on the 1-yard line.

An interception stopped another Cardinal drive, and on the Eagles’ first play, Quinton Renfro ran for a 37-yard touchdown and the final score.

Webb City gained more yardage than Joplin on the ground and in the air. Galardo had a 167-yard night on the ground, averaging 5.8 yards per carry. William Hayes caught six passes for 86 yards.

Ozark 1-3, is coming off a 40-0 shutout win at Willard. The Ozark Tigers started the season with losses to Carl Junction, Republic and Joplin. 

The big game this week is between the two unbeaten teams in the Central Ozark Conference, with Joplin at Nixa.