Bob Foos
The 2026 football season for the Webb City Cardinals begins Friday with a trip to Glendale High School for a Central Ozark Conference cross-division contest.
This is the first time since 2001 that the Falcons have been on the Cardinals’ schedule. Since 1985, the two teams have met four times, with Webb City winning each time.
The Falcons, 6-5 last year, were eliminated in the second round of districts.
Webb City had a 7-4 record last year. The season ended with a loss to Republic, which placed second in the district to state-runnerup Carthage.
At Cardinal Stadium last week, Webb City and Joplin scrimmaged with Lamar and Seneca.
Webb City’s first home game will be against Waynesville on Sept. 4. In fact, the Cardinals will be home every other week prior to districts. Homecoming will be Oct. 2 against Carthage.
Calling the games on the air for KNEO radio and TV this season will be Mike Smith and Bruce Vonder Haar, along with statistician Tim Workman. Scott Boudreaux will continue reporting and conducting interviews from the field.
Smith is retired as the Cardinals’ defensive coordinator. Vonder Haar, who teaches video classes at the high school, will be moving from the home-game announcing chair.
You’ll now be hearing the voice of Doug Garrison, a high school communication arts teacher, on the stadium speakers.
