SPRINGDALE --The streak continues for the Webb City (Mo.) Cardinals.
Hunter Vanlue scored on two 1-yard touchdown runs in the fourth quarter as Webb City defeated Springdale Har-Ber 36-26 Friday at Wildcat Stadium.
The Cardinals (3-0) have won 31 consecutive since losing to Har-Ber 42-35 two years ago at Jarrell Williams Bulldog Stadium, their only loss in a 75-game span that includes five consecutive state championships in Missouri.
Har-Ber displayed a potent passing game behind senior Fuller Chandler, who threw four touchdowns in his debut with the Wildcats. Har-Ber kept the game close despite losing two of four fumbles.
"We had those first-game mistakes," Har-Ber Coach Chris Wood said. "The turnovers were really costly for us, then they drive 99 yards to put it out of reach. Hats off to them."
Har-Ber led 26-21 in the fourth quarter after two touchdowns passes by Chandler, the senior transfer from Springdale High. Chandler passed 8 yards to Dalton Douangdara for a score before he put Har-Ber ahead with a 76-yard touchdown pass to Luke Hannon, who was lined up in the slot.
Webb City retook the lead at 29-26 with 3:11 left in the game. Vanlue's second touchdown was set up by a 52-yard touchdown pass from backup quarterback Andrew Greek to Blake Catterson. Har-Ber appeared to have Webb City pinned deep, but Greek found Catterson wide open to pull the Cardinals out of danger.
Greek was in at quarterback for starter Tyson Roderique, who left the game after being shaken up in the third quarter.
"Ty's a warrior but hats off to Andrew," Webb City Coach John Roderique said. "I told him during the week I was going to get him in the game. He got in there and, man, what a great job he did."
Rodrique scored on a 15-yard run to give Webb City a 21-13 lead at halftime. Har-Ber scored twice in the first half a 20-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Blackston and a 25-yard pass to Smith. Blackston made a diving catch from Chandler to put Har-Ber ahead 7-0.
Har-Ber's first fumble near midfield resulted in a 2-yard run by Keaton Burroughs for the Cardinals' first score. Har-Ber was driving for a tying score late in the first half when Trey Smith fumbled after picking up a first down on fourth down at the Webb City 25.
The contrast in quarterbacks was clear with Chandler flinging passes and the elusive Rodrique slipping tacklers while operating the Cardinals' option offense. Rodrique appeared hemmed in on his touchdown run, but the senior broke to the outside and scored to put Webb City ahead 21-14 with 4:12 left in the first half. Roderique also escaped two Har-Ber defenders while driving for a 19-yard gain to set up a 4-yard touchdown run by Hunter Vanlue.
Har-Ber will continued nonconference play Friday at home against Kansas City (Mo.) Rockhurst. Webb City beat Rockhurst 49-20 in Week 2.
Sports on 09/05/2015