Webb City rolled up more than 300 rushing yards on its way to a 49-6 win over Republic. Five different Cardinals rushed for 50+ yards on the night, led by Devin Pickett with 66 yards.
For the second week in a row, an early mistake on special teams led to an easy score for Republic’s opponent. This time, it was a blocked punt — one of two on the night — that set up a quick-strike touchdown for Webb City.
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The Cardinals broke on top first with 5:39 left in the 1st quarter on a two-yard run by Trey Parra to make it 7-0. After a 3-and-out by the Tigers offense, Webb City blocked a punt and scored a play later on a 7-yard run by Kiante Hardin to make it 14-0 with 3:45 left in the quarter. Two more scores in the 2nd quarter made it 28-0 at half.
Republic was led in the 1st half by Josh Vaughn’s three receptions for 31 yards. Jerney Jones had six carries for 28 yards in the first half.
Webb City scored again with 9:05 left in the 3rd quarter to make it 36-0 on a 19-yard pass from Tyson Roderique to Kiante Hardin.
The Tigers got their only score of the night on the next possession. Jace DuVall put together a 61-yard drive, capped by a 51-yard TD run by Jace DuVall with 6:31 left in the 3rd quarter. The 2-point conversion was no good, and the score was 36-6.
Two more touchdowns in the 4th quarter for Webb City accounted for the final score of 49-6.
Coach Wes Beachler told his players after the game not to get discouraged.
“There’s not a lot to say. But what they have to understand is the goal is to get better each and every week,” he says. “We need to go back to basics. We need to work on the things we do well. I’m not going to panic and change the system or anything. We’re going to keep doing what we do.
“I think Coach (John) Roderique said it best. He said when these kids start to understand your system better, it’s going to be tough to stop. And I think that’s what we need to get to. We need to keep getting better at what we do and we’ll build from there.”
Senior running back James Desjardins says he and his teammates know what’s required to become a better football team.
“As a team, I feel like we’re all on the same page. We understand that we have to get better each and every day. So tomorrow we’re going to have to get better to prepare for Monday, and Monday we’re going to have to get better and prepare for Tuesday. It’s a daily effort to get better so Friday night, you’re not coming out there unprepared,” he says. “Friday night, you’re coming out and you can just fly around and be a machine.”
Jace DuVall led the Tigers with 86 yards rushing on nine carries. Jerney Jones had eight carries for 38 yards. Republic had 192 yards of total offense — 166 yards on the ground.
The Tigers fall to 2-2 this season. They’re home next week against Branson.
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