Missouri: Webb City High School 2015 Football Season Preview

Written by Charlie Beuttel

Head Coach: John Roderique
Mascot: Cardinals
Conference: Central Ozarks
2014: 15-0
Location: Webb City, Missouri

Overview
Head Coach John Roderique has built a dynasty at Webb City High School. On Nov. 29, 2014, Webb City defeated Central High School, out of Cape Giradeau, Mo., 48-21 to win their fifth straight state championship.

The Cardinals blew away their competition in 2014. The most points allowed in a game were the 21 to Central in the state title game. The closest margin of victory for Webb City was 21 and that was in Week 1 when they defeated Carthage 21-0. The Cardinals have an early test when they host Rockhurst (Kansas City) on August 28. However, Webb City should easily run through their schedule and have a chance to capture their sixth straight state crown.

Offense
Senior Tyson Roderique is back to lead this high-powered offense who scored 44 points and averaged just over 300 rushing yards a game. Roderique threw for 1,143 yards with 17 touchdowns while rushing for 816 yards and 10 more touchdowns.

Webb City lost 1,000-yard rusher Tyler Davison but Keaton Burroughs returns for his senior season. Burrough ran for 919 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2014. Bradyn Ansley is the starting tight end and is also the leading returning receiver from last year.

The Cardinals offensive line is very experienced and is led by 6’4”, 280 pound, senior Trystan Castillo. Castillo has committed to play college football at the University of Missouri. Another offensive weapon is 6-foot 5-inch wide receiver/safety Kaden Roy.

Defense
The Cardinals put on a defensive show in 2014 as they only gave up on average just over eight points a game. One of the returning defensive stars is linebacker Kolesen Crane. Crane had 81 total tackles, two sacks, and two interceptions in 2014.

Joining Crane at linebacker is Calem Nutting, who had 78 total tackles. Webb City’s secondary is led by seniors Keeton Marsh and Kaden Roy. Marsh spent time at corner and free safety last year compiling 54 tackles. Roy had 42 tackles last year. Junior Gage Sweet and senior Brett Busick are the leaders of the defensive line in 2015.

Schedule
8/21 Carthage
8/28 Rockhurst
9/4 at Har-Ber (Springdale, AR)
9/11 Republic
9/18 at Nixa
9/25 Willard
10/2 at Neosho
10/9 at Ozark
10/16 Branson

Photo credit: stltoday.com; Webb City hoists the state championship trophy.
Photo credit; stltoday.com; Quarterback Tyson Roderique scrambles for yards.