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By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Javis Berlin was five years old the last time Webb City and Camdenton played.
But, that 21-14 Camdenton win in Cardinal Stadium is one that won’t be forgotten anytime soon around Webb City.
Entering Friday’s district semifinal rematch between the two Missouri football blue bloods, legendary coach John Roderique wasn’t shy about informing his team of the history.
“Coach Rod told us about how the rivalry dated back to his playing time in high school and how they’ve had a very good football tradition as well,” said Berlin. “The coaching staff also didn’t forget to mention that the last time they came to our house they beat us. That never sits too well with Webb City coaches; they said they’ve been waiting on this one for 12 years.”
With one of the most complete performances they’ve put together this season, Webb City handled rival Camdenton 40-14 to advance to the Class 4 – District 5 championship.
And, unlike the time Roderique had to help Webb City rally from a 26-6 deficit to beat Camdenton in the fall of 1985, this matchup was all Cardinals.
Webb City held Camdenton without a first down for the entire first half. The Lakers managed just one yard from scrimmage in the game’s first 24 minutes.
Longtime defensive coordinator Mike Smith consistently identified plays before Camdenton even snapped the ball, either yelling them out to his players or muttering it to himself.
Following the win he echoed the words of Coach Roderique, saying the kids continue to take them along for the ride, but Berlin couldn’t help but give one of the brightest defensive minds in the state his due.
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“I’ve never seen a coach prepare the way Coach Smith prepares week in and week out it,” said Berlin. “It doesn’t matter if the team we’re playing is 10-0 or 0-10 you can guarantee that he’s watched at least 50 hours of film on them and knows how to defend whatever they throw at us.”
Webb City’s defense also forced three turnovers, holding Camdenton to just 189 yards of total offense.
The Cardinals haven’t allowed an opponent to score more than 14 points in a game all season.
That nastiness has seemingly rubbed off on the offense as well, which has now scored 40 or more points in each of its last six games.
On Friday it was the passing game that got it going early with senior quarterback Cash Link hooking up with junior Alex Gaskill for a pair of touchdowns in the game’s first 14 minutes, making Camdenton pay for loading the box and leaving Gaskill 1-on-1.
Webb City has long been known for its split back veer and like those teams of the past that had steady receivers like Landon Zerkel, Austin Daniel and Kiante Hardin to keep defenses honest and Gaskill has become that guy for this team.
“I think it’s very important for us to be able to help the run game out,” said Gaskill. “To be able to back them up a little and soften them up on the run helps open up holes for our run game and keeps defenses from stacking the box.”
Link completed 10 of his 15 attempts for 132 yards for three scores, the third of which went to tight end Drake Tweed. As a team Webb City rushed for 187 yards with Will Larsen, Tylor Morehead and Jacob Gettings all finding paydirt.
Camdenton was able to add a pair of scores late with senior Jay Griffin, who has missed much of the season due to injury, scoring on runs of eight and 45 yards.
Webb City now leads the all-time series with Camdenton 6-5, but more importantly the Cardinals are heading back to the district championship where rival Class 4 No. 2 Carl Junction is waiting.
The Cardinals beat CJ in the season-opener at Cardinal Stadium, 27-12.
Neither Berlin or Gaskill was interested in talking trash, but neither downplayed the magnitude of the match-up.
Berlin says it never gets old seeing the kids from across the street. Gaskill shares that excitement.
“There isn’t anything I’ve wanted more than next Friday night,” said Gaskill.
Webb City will host Carl Junction for the Class 4 – District 5 title on Nov. 3. It is the fourth consecutive year the two teams will meet with a chance to end each other’s season.
Webb City has never lost to Carl Junction in an elimination game.
