Second-Half Surge Lifts Har-Ber

Springdale Har-Ber senior quarterback Kyle Pianalto passes the ball during the third quarter of play against Webb City Friday, Sept. 6, 2013, at Jarrell Williams Bulldog Stadium in Springdale.
Springdale Har-Ber senior quarterback Kyle Pianalto passes the ball during the third quarter of play against Webb City Friday, Sept. 6, 2013, at Jarrell Williams Bulldog Stadium in Springdale.

SPRINGDALE — Oct. 17, 2003.

That’s was the last time Webb City, Mo., had lost a football game during the regular season.

Until now.

Springdale Har-Ber ended the streak with a comeback 42-35 victory over the Cardinals on Friday at Jarrell Williams Bulldog Stadium. It was the season-opener for Har-Ber and second game for Webb City, which blasted Carl Junction, Mo., 52-29 the previous week to run its consecutive game win streak to 46.

Now, both streaks are over for the Cardinals, who are the three-time defending state champions in Missouri’s Class 4A.

“I told our kids before (kickoff) that this was just one game and it isn’t going to define your season or anything about you,” Webb City coach John Rodrique said. “It’s no more important than last week’s game or this week’s game.”

Har-Ber’s comeback came in rapid fashion. The Wildcats fell behind 35-14 with 7 minutes, 45 seconds remaining in the third quarter. Har-Ber dominated play the rest of the way while scoring the final four touchdowns of the game.

Kyle Pianalto threw consecutive touchdown passes of 12 and 27 yards before he scored on a 1-yard run to put the Wildcats ahead with 7:47 left to play.

“We felt good at halftime with the way we were moving the ball, but we had those three turnovers,” Har-Ber coach Chris Wood said. “I told Kyle to settle down in the second half and make plays, and that’s what he did.”

PLAYERS OF THE GAME: Quarterback Kyle Pianalto responded like a senior leader in the second half after he had three first-half turnovers. Pianalto willed the Wildcats to victory and took on more running responsibility after senior Sain Mathew became dehydrated and had to leave the game. Senior Matt Garrison also showed his value to the team with his ability to run, catch, punt and tackle.

PLAY OF THE NIGHT: Gus Vitt had 4 catches for 87 yards, but none were bigger than his 50-yard reception with the game tied 35-35. Josh Frazier recovered a fumble to give Har-Ber possession and Pianalto immediately went to Vitt, who made it to the Webb City 7. Pianalto later scored on a 1-yard run to put Har-Ber in front for good with 7:50 left to play.

INJURY UPDATE: Mathew became dehydrated and had to leave in the second half, but he’ll be ready to play in Friday’s game against Columbia (Mo.) Rockbridge.

NOTABLE: Brothers Trent Parra and Trey Parrah each scored touchdowns for Webb City Friday night. Trent Parra returned an interception 102 yards for a touchdowns while Trey Parra scored on a 2-yard run… Har-Ber placekicker Ben O’Brien had a good night by going 7 of 7 on extra points and by placing 4 of his 7 kickoffs into the end zone for touchbacks… Junior defensive back Justin Setser contributed five tackles, a forced fumble, and an interception to stop a Webb City scoring opportunity in Har-Ber territory.

THAT FIGURES

21 — Points Springdale Har-Ber trailed by (35-14) before scoring 28 straight points.

46 — Consecutive games Webb City had won until Friday night’s loss.

102 — Yards on Trent Parra’s interception return for a touchdown.

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