Webb City punched their ticket to the MSHSAA Championship game with a 38-7 victory on Saturday afternoon over the Kearney Bulldogs.
The Cardinals, after winning the toss, deferred to the second half and after Kearney chose to receive, Webb City picked to have the gusty south wind at their back. This decision paid quick dividends as the defense forced the Bulldogs to punt on their first possession and took over at midfield. Kearney's defense was just as stingy and the Cardinals punt bounced into the end zone. The Bulldogs were able to pick up one first down, before the defense held strong again.
The second possession for the Cardinals also began at midfield. On second and long, Tyson Roderique hit Kiante Hardin with a 41 yard pass play down to the 11 yard line. After two running plays put the ball at the seven, Hardin caught a slant pass, sliding into the end zone with the first touchdown of the day.
After trading possessions, the Cardinals defense forced the Bulldogs to point one last time into the wind before the quarter ended and took over on the 43 yard line. Roderique was able to find Hardin behind the defense again for a 35 yards and a first down at the Kearney 22 yard line. The offense was able to reach the five yard line before stalling, but Cory Duley delivered on a 22 yard field goal into the wind and a 10-0 lead.
The Bulldogs struck the Cardinals with a big pass play into Cardinal territory, but Drake Humphrey jumped on a Kearney fumble to give the ball back to the offense. The running game made quick work of a six play, sixty five yard touchdown drive. Tyler Davison started with a 12 yard run, and Keaton Burroughs bounced the next play outside for thirty yards down the left sideline. Burroughs finished the drive, covering the last fourteen yards, and the Cardinals held a 17-0 lead.
Kearney answered back with a touchdown of their own and the halftime score was 17-7.
Webb City was set to receive the second half kickoff and Keaton Marsh brought the crowd to their feet when he ran it back 84 yards before being caught at the one yard line. Hunter Vanlue punched into the end zone and the Cardinals opened the lead to 24-7 only 16 seconds into the half.
The Bulldog offense tried to answer and with the help of a fake punt had crossed into Cardinal territory, but a Kolesen Crane interception put an end to the drive.
Webb City scored once again with a long drive, using 10 plays to cover 72 yards. Maquel Harbin ended the drive a with a fourteen yard touchdown reception.
Tyler Davison finished the scoring with touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
Webb City will face Central (Cape Girardeau) next Saturday, November 29 in the class 4 championship game. Kickoff will be at 11:00.