Quarterfinals: WC at Bolivar

Globe Article

The Cardinals hit the road on Saturday seeking a birth in the Missouri Class 4 semi-finals. This quarterfinal match-up was a rematch of the 2008 quarters held in Cardinal Stadium on a cold, windy day. On that day, WC prevailed 42-21.

The 2009 match-up was a little different. WC knew going in that Bolivar was big and could put a lot of offense. In the first half, the game was tight with a lot of back and forth. Not really a ton of mistakes - though each had a first half turnover. WC struck first when Patrick Drake hit Austin Daniel in the front corner of the end zone for a touchdown.

Bolivar responded and would have tied the game if not for a PAT block by Breckin Williams - to my knowledge this was the first block of the season for WC.

On the ensuing possession, Braxton Baker made his presence known in a big way by taking the first snap 64 yards to the Bolivar 12. Two plays later Jamison Cady scored from the 10. Bolivar returned the PAT block favor and we stood at 13-6. That score remained until half-time.

The second half mostly belonged to the Cards who managed 2 big interceptions in the 3rd quarter. The first came on the first play of the 2nd half when Scott Roderique jumped a route. Maddy Johnson scored shortly thereafter and a 2pt conversion made it 21-6 Cards.

Shortly thereafter, Nathan Ervin intercepted a pass and ran 80 yards to the end zone. The PAT made it 28-6.

WC got the ball back and after a Drake to Daniel connection to the 5 yard line, Patrick ran it in. Following the kick WC led 35-6.

The teams traded touchdowns late and Bolivar scored one final time near the end of the game against WC reserves to leave the score at 42-20 where it ended.

It wasn't the best I've seen this WC team play, but they did what they needed to do to secure a victory. The defense played well against a very big team - limiting them to 42 yards rushing (on 34 carries). They'll need to at least repeat the performance next Saturday against a tough Kearney team (who rolled Harrisonville 41-0 on Saturday).

The offense looked good in spots, but I honestly felt like it was a fairly conservative game plan. With the size Bolivar had up front I was surprised the Cards didn't attempt to get out on the edge more often. However, they didn't have to. What they were doing was effective enough to get the job done and it avoided major risks of turnovers.

The Kearney match-up will be another rematch (from the 2008 semi-finals). This time however, Kearney will make the long drive to Webb City. Kearney is tough and WC will have to play very well to win. Kearney has 2 losses on the season. One was to a very good larger class team. The other loss came against Staley on a night Kearney was plagued by turnovers. Kearney avenged that Staley loss in the 2nd round of the playoffs with a 28-0 win (at Staley).

My best guess here is that for WC to win this game, the defense will be key. I'm not sure the Cards want to get into a shootout with Kearney. If the Cards D can hold Kearney down, get a few take-aways and the offense can put together drives I like Webb's chances to return to the Dome on Black Friday.

The way WC won the 2008 match-up was by managing the clock, protecting the ball, and keeping Kearney out of the end zone. That was a game that Webb made some mistakes early and benefited from a couple of mistakes on Kearney's part in the first half before seizing control after the break and managing a 14-7 victory. One thing is sure, nothing will be easy against Kearney.

Kickoff is at 1:30 on Saturday. Get there early.