Semi-Finals: WC v. Kearney

I listened all week to stories of the beatings that the Kearney Bulldogs had delivered to the 2002 and 2003 WC Cards - both in WC and both in the semi-final round. Some (my wife included) seemed to be under the impression that what had happened 5+ years ago had some bearing and somehow worked against the 2008 Cards chances to overcome the #1 team in the state and advance to the finals in St. Louis. I did what I could to explain why that made no sense what-so-ever.

For anyone who didn't see the game or listened and wasn't there, it was ugly. It was an ugly, physical battle between two very good football teams. WC lost 3 fumbles in the first half. Yes, you read that right. They've done a good job this season of not turning it over, but in a tough game it appeared they might give it way by repeatedly coughing it up. In spite of the fumbles, WC's defense kept them in it and after a blocked field-goal late in the 2nd quarter, WC went to half-time down 7-0 (which felt like a victory from the stands).

To make matters worse, WC had to kickoff to start the 2nd half. But the D again came up big, forcing Kearney to go 3 & out and setting up the O with good field position. The O finally got on track, driving down for a touchdown to tie the game.

Another stop by the D and WC was in business again, driving down and ultimately scoring on the last play of the third quarter. When WC kicked off to start the 4th quarter Webb led 14-0 and seemed to have the momentum.

What followed was a lot like the 1st quarter - ugly, physical, and scoreless. Webb came up with the stops they needed - including a 4th & 2 deep in their own territory - and managed to avoid turnovers. With a chance to ice the game, WC chose to punt on 4th & 1 near mid-field with less than 1 minute remaining in the game. On the snap, a defender reached out and hit the ball before Patrick (Drake) could get it snapped. According to what Pat told us after the game he just swatted it backwards - rolling on the ground. Fortunately the ball rolled right to the punter (even popped up to him at just the right time) and he narrowly avoided getting the punt blocked.

With time winding down, Boo Rogers intercepted a pass and ran out the clock.

As expected, WC fans started streaming out of the stands onto the field until the PA announcer announced that MSHSAA rules don't allow fans on the field. Whatever, I'm sure Kearney would have abided by that rule if they'd won.

The Cards are again Dome bound for a showdown with Jeff City - Helias. As with Bolivar and Kearney I don't know anything about them. They've not really been tested in the playoffs, but I don't know what kind of quality opponents they've had either.

One thing I've observed - sadly - in my 5 or so seasons of watching WC sports is that their great fans do have their faults. WC fans are loyal and they will drive hundreds of miles in droves to support their team, but frankly they are about the most negative bunch I've ever seen when things aren't going their way. We weren't 3 plays into the game when people started giving up and talking about the blowouts in 2002 and 2003 against Kearney. Now listen, I'm the pot (calling the kettle black) on this one, but you've got to at least keep your head up long enough to see how things are going to go. If you're going to give up before the other team even scores, don't make the drive. But that's just my opinion.

No prediction for next weekend. Just glad to be making the trip.