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By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
As the saying goes, defense wins championships. And, Webb City’s defense has the football Goliath back in the state championship game.
The Cardinals forced three turnovers and came up with two goal line stands to preserve a 21-18 Class 4 semifinal Saturday at Cardinal Stadium.
“We’ve been great on defense all year, that’s not a surprise to anybody,” said Smith. “Those kids play with so much heart. They had some (bad) breaks with a couple of pass interference penalties, it’s just what it is, but our guys play outstanding. We were physical, and we tried to make the quarterback play when we got to him.”
It was the 13th time in 14 games that Webb City held its opponent to fewer than 20 points.
The Cardinals led 7-0 at the half on a Durand Henderson touchdown run, despite Platte County nearly doubling Webb City’s first-half yardage.
Cash Link’s 11-yard touchdown on Webb City’s open drive of the second half double the lead at 14-0.
Just 90 seconds later the Pirates responded with a touchdown of their own, a one-yard Gavin Hardman run.
Link and Hardman exchanged touchdown runs in the fourth quarter, along with a Platte County 37-yard field goal by Parker Lacina.
Webb City’s 21-18 lead would hold over the game’s final six minutes with the Cardinals defense continuing to bend, but rarely breaking.
Henderson rushed for 105 yards on 28 carries. Senior Will Larson added 99 on 15 carries and Link finished with 67.
Junior receiver Alex Gaskill accounted for all 66 of Webb City’s receiving yards.
“In our offense you’ve got to be able to make those reads at the right time,” said Roderique. “Sometimes it’s about getting us in the right play and he did that. They were stout up front defensively, he made a couple of mistakes, but he made up for it at the end by making plays.”
Webb City vs. Platte County – CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS
Platte County rushed for just 49 yards on 25 attempts as a team, but quarterback Tanner Clarkson threw for 319 yards, but was intercepted twice.
The Pirates outgained Webb City in yardage but the Cardinals ability to get critical stops proved to be too much.
Webb City and sound defense are about as synonymous as spaghetti and meatballs, thanks in large part to veteran defensive coordinator Mike Smith.
After 17 seasons at Webb City, Smith will step away from his official role with the program following Friday’s state championship.
Saturday’s win was the Cardinals 104th in their last 108 games at Cardinal Stadium, sending the Webb City Football great out with yet another incredible defensive effort.
“When you surround yourself with good people, good things happen,” said Smith. “We’ve got a lot of good kids here. Over the course of my 17 years it’s been an amazing ride and I’m just thankful for all the kids that allowed us to have the success we’ve had. They’ve bought in. I’m just so proud of the kids. A lot of people talk about the rings, but it’s not really about the rings. It’s the relationships you build with the kids and I’m just proud of them.”
Roderique didn’t downplay the importance of his longtime friend and colleague.
“I may quit too, if he does,” said Roderique. “I don’t know how I can coach without him. We’re like brothers on the sideline. He’s a great football coach and a great defensive mind, but he’s an even better person than that. Obviously, it’s going to have an impact because guys like that don’t come around too often.”
Webb City advances to the Class 4 state championship where they’ll meet Ladue Horton Watkins. The Rams Parkway Central 31-14 in the other Class 4 semifinal.
Ladue’s only two losses came to Class 5 powers Webster Groves and Fort Zumwalt North. FZ North advanced to the Class 5 Final Four.
Webb City has beaten Class 4’s No. 2, No. 6 and No. 10 ranked teams on its way to Columbia. The Cardinals will seek the program’s 14th state championship on Nov. 24, 7 p.m. at Farout Field.
Webb City 21, Platte County 18
Platte County 0-0-10-8 – 18
Webb City 7-0-7-7 – 21
First Quarter
Webb City – Durand Henderson 5 yards (Point after kick by Sergio Perez)
Third Quarter
WC – Cash Link 11 yards (Point after kick by Perez)
Platte County – Gavin Hardman 1 yards (Point after kick by Parker Lacina)
PC – 37 yard field goal attempt by Parker Lacina
Fourth Quarter
WC – Link 5 yards (Point after kick by Perez)
PC –Hardman 2 yards (Tanner Clarkson to Dylan Gilbert)
