SPRINGDALE -- Justin Setser knows what Springdale Har-Ber is up against Friday in its season-opener at Webb City, Mo.
Webb City (2-0) will be eagerly awaiting the Wildcats, who beat the Cardinals 42-35 last year at Jarrell Williams Bulldogs Stadium. Webb City held a 28-7 lead before Har-Ber rallied to hand the Cardinals their first defeat in the regular season since 2003.
Profile
Justin Setser
School: Springdale Har-Ber
Class: Senior
Position: Cornerback
Height: 5-9
Weight: 151
Notable: Two-year starter at cornerback for Har-Ber. … Finished with 54 tackles and led Har-Ber with three interceptions as a junior. … Had an interception last year against Webb City to help Har-Ber comeback. … Saw varsity playing time as a sophomore.
Webb City recovered from the rare loss to win its 12th state championship since 1989 in Missouri. The Cardinals are 208-19 under John Roderique, who took over as coach in 1997.
"It's going to be like stirring up a hornet's nest," Setser. "They'll be pretty ticked off after what happened last year. We can't let Webb City get the momentum, especially with them being at home and their whole town at the game."
Setser (5-foot-9, 151 pounds) is used to challenges as a defensive back trying to shut down taller receivers. The senior cornerback is regularly assigned to cover top receivers like Fayetteville tight end C.J. O'Grady (6-5, 230), who is committed to Arkansas.
"You have to have perfect timing on the ball when you're going up against big guys like that," Setser said. "You also have to have good hands and take advantage when you get a chance at an interception."
Setser had 54 tackles and led Har-Ber with three interceptions last season. He contributed to Har-Ber's comeback against Webb City with a third-quarter interception that led to a touchdown. Setser also had interceptions against Columbia (Mo.) Rock Bridge and Van Buren.
"Justin started his junior year and he's an all-conference type of guy for us," Har-Ber coach Chris Wood said. "He shows great leadership and he plays his position in a physical way. He's not that big, bust he doesn't back down from anyone. He'll bow up with the best of them."
Setser and the Har-Ber defense must be at its best to slow Webb City, which still piled up 500 yards in the loss at Springdale last season. The Cardinals used their ball control offense last week to overcome a 14-0 deficit and beat Kansas City (Mo.) Rockhurst 40-14. Webb City rushed for over 300 yards and quarterback Tyson Roderique completed 5 of 6 passes for over 100 yards.
"We need to get those 3-and-outs against them, and get off the field," Setser said. "That's the most important thing."
Webb City is again ranked No. 1 in Missouri's Class 4A after its win at Class 6A Rockhurst. Har-Ber begins the season No. 7 in Class 7A after finishing 8-4 last season. The Wildcats will play consecutive road games at Webb City and Rockhurst before opening its new stadium against Conway on Sept. 19.
Sports on 09/04/2014