Pirates tangled up by Webb 34-13
October 12, 2008
By Josh Clark
jclark@tri-lakestribune.com
Two top 10 teams in state of Missouri. Two undefeated teams. Two Central Ozark Conference rivals. Homecoming at Webb City.
This game was a big deal in Webb City. Cars filled parking lots, driveways and streets all around Cardinal Stadium as fans filled the stadium to near capacity. The atmosphere seemed like a college or NFL game was about to kick off.
The Pirates got the ball first and it was immediately clear that they were playing a great football team. Webb City had size, strength and quickness and they used it to harass the Pirates all evening.
The Pirates went three and out with their first possession before the Cardinals used a handful of plays and just under five minutes to take a 7-0 lead. Branson got the ball back at the 20 yard line and before they could snap the ball they started off with a penalty.
On third down, Tee Helsel was intercepted and the ball was returned 30 yards for a touchdown, giving Webb City a 14-0 lead.
The Pirates had little success moving the ball on their next drive, but a roughing the punter call was not made after two players hit Pirate punter Kael Bowling.
The defense stepped up and stopped the Cardinals on their next possession and the offense started to roll. The Pirates crossed midfield for the first time as the first quarter ended.
Two plays into the second quarter, a Pirate fumble was returned for a touchdown, putting the Cardinals up 27-0. The Pirates were finally able to keep the ball and put together a nice drive that ended with an eight yard touchdown run by Shawn Turner.
The two teams exchanged interceptions to end the first half and Branson entered the locker room trailing the Cardinals 27-7.
The second half of the game got off to a bad start as Mark Hill, who tweaked an injury from last week, and Kael Bowling, who was hit in the back, were both out of the game.
Helsel twisted his knee, but was able to play through the pain. The defense came up big thanks to a nice stop by Bryce Jordan. The Pirates couldn’t capitalize and were only able to run seven plays before punting again.
The Cardinals were looking for the knockout punch, and promptly got it. A long completion to the five yard line was followed three plays later by a touchdown, putting Webb City up 34-7.
Michael Spain provided some fireworks with a nice return on the ensuing kickoff, but the Webb defense was just too good and shut the Pirates down once more.
Everyone on the field was taking a pounding at the hands of the bigger, more physical team. Early in the fourth quarter Tee Helsel got popped on a third down.
The big hit combined with the twisted knee proved too much, and Hesel came out of the game. Backup Cameron Chancey entered the game on the next possession.
He ran the offense very well against the Webb second team, looking cool and calm in the pocket. With just under eight minutes left in the game, Brandon Mahoney broke a 37 yard run and the Pirates had new life at 34-13.
The Pirates tried for an onside kick, which they recovered. Webb City was then awarded possession, for some reason or another.
The Pirate defense stepped up and blocked a field goal, giving Branson one more chance to score. Despite a nice drive, a fumble on the 35 yard line ended their chance, and the game.
Branson found themselves down early and never really recovered. They weren’t able to stay mistake free, and a team finally made them pay.
It’s true that this team was bigger and faster than the Pirates. It’s true players got hurt and calls were missed. None of that really matters.
What is more true than any of those statements is what head coach Steve Hancock told his team after their first loss.
“Let this one go.”
Branson opens up District play next week against Neosho, then follow that with McDonald County and Republic. Those are the games that are most important. Those are the games that need the attention.
When Hancock was asked if he though this team could indeed let this loss go he responded simply by saying, “We have no choice but to put this behind us. Its not an option. The most important games begin next week.”
Branson will face Neosho at 7 p.m. Friday night.
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