As the saying goes, defense wins championships. And, Webb City’s defense has the football Goliath back in the state championship game.

The Cardinals forced three turnovers and came up with two goal line stands to preserve a 21-18 Class 4 semifinal Saturday at Cardinal Stadium.

“We’ve been great on defense all year, that’s not a surprise to anybody,” said Smith. “Those kids play with so much heart. They had some (bad) breaks with a couple of pass interference penalties, it’s just what it is, but our guys play outstanding. We were physical, and we tried to make the quarterback play when we got to him.”

It was the 13th time in 14 games that Webb City held its opponent to fewer than 20 points.

The Cardinals led 7-0 at the half on a Durand Henderson touchdown run, despite Platte County nearly doubling Webb City’s first-half yardage.

Cash Link’s 11-yard touchdown on Webb City’s open drive of the second half double the lead at 14-0.

Just 90 seconds later the Pirates responded with a touchdown of their own, a one-yard Gavin Hardman run.

Link and Hardman exchanged touchdown runs in the fourth quarter, along with a Platte County 37-yard field goal by Parker Lacina.

Webb City’s 21-18 lead would hold over the game’s final six minutes with the Cardinals defense continuing to bend, but rarely breaking.

Henderson rushed for 105 yards on 28 carries. Senior Will Larson added 99 on 15 carries and Link finished with 67.

Junior receiver Alex Gaskill accounted for all 66 of Webb City’s receiving yards.

“In our offense you’ve got to be able to make those reads at the right time,” said Roderique. “Sometimes it’s about getting us in the right play and he did that. They were stout up front defensively, he made a couple of mistakes, but he made up for it at the end by making plays.”

Webb City vs. Platte County – CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS

Platte County rushed for just 49 yards on 25 attempts as a team, but quarterback Tanner Clarkson threw for 319 yards, but was intercepted twice.

The Pirates outgained Webb City in yardage but the Cardinals ability to get critical stops proved to be too much.

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