WEBB CITY, Mo. -- A long weather delay didn't slow Webb City's potent option attack.
The Cardinals built a 21-point lead at halftime and rolled past Springdale Har-Ber 42-13 Friday in the season-opener for the Wildcats. Webb City will likely stay No. 1 in Missouri's Class 4A after its third consecutive victory.
The game was delayed for over two hours because of lightening and heavy rain that moved into the area just before kickoff. Play began at 9:15 p.m. in a game that was originally scheduled to start at 7 p.m.
Webb City used two long touchdown runs and a scoring pass with no time left in the second quarter to take a 28-7 lead at halftime. Quarterback Tyson Roderique scored an 82-yard run and Kaleb Potts followed with touchdown runs of 13 and 50 yards to give Webb City the early momentum. Har-Ber scored on a 53-yard touchdown pass from Caleb Daniels to Luke Hannon, but Daniels threw an interception late in the second quarter to give Webb City another opportunity. The Cardinals took advantage when Roderique found Trent Parra open for a 20-yard touchdown pass with no time left in the second quarter.
Webb City went 76 yards in 12 plays to take a 35-7 lead with the first possession of the third quarter. Rodrique threw 26 yards to Kiante Hardin for the touchdown. Sophomore Trey Smith scored on a 7-yard run to culminate a 17-play drive late in the third quarter.
Har-Ber beat Webb City 42-35 last season to hand the Cardinals their first loss in the regular season since 2013. Webb City won the first meeting, 30-15, against Har-Ber in 2012.
Har-Ber will continue non-conference play Friday at Kansas City (Mo.) Rockhurst. Webb City beat Rockhurst 40-14 on the road two weeks ago.
Sports on 09/06/2014