Webb City, Missouri. If you live here, Friday nights aren’t for chores or catching up on Netflix. They’re for the Cardinals. Honestly, there is something almost religious about the way the lights hit Cardinal Stadium. People talk about the Webb City MO football schedule like it’s a blueprint for the town’s heartbeat. It basically is.
But let’s get real for a second. The 2024 season was a bit of a roller coaster. A 6-7 record? That’s not exactly the Webb City standard we’ve grown used to over the decades of dominance under legendary figures like John Roderique. Yet, if you look closely at the 2025-2026 slate, you'll see a team that isn't just "rebuilding." They're reloading.
What the Webb City MO Football Schedule Tells Us About 2025
The Central Ozarks Conference (COC) is a meat grinder. Plain and simple. When you look at the schedule Ryan McFarland has in front of him, there are no "gimme" weeks. The Cardinals kicked things off this past August with a gritty 28-20 win over Lebanon. It set a tone. This isn't the same squad that dropped a heartbreaker in overtime to Joplin last year.
The Regular Season Breakdown
- August 29 vs. Lebanon: A solid home win (28-20) to start the year.
- September 5 at Nixa: This was a tough one. Nixa is a powerhouse, and a 28-20 loss away from home proved the Cardinals can hang with the best, even if the scoreboard didn't favor them that night.
- September 12 vs. Kickapoo: Total dominance. A 49-21 victory that reminded everyone why you don't overlook the Red and White.
- September 19 at Ozark: Another high-scoring affair. Webb City walked away with a 52-35 win.
- September 26 at Neosho: This was the definition of a "nail-biter." 46-43. You've gotta love high school football when it gets that offensive.
The middle of the schedule is where the true character of a team shows up. After that wild win at Neosho, the Cardinals faced Republic at home on October 3rd. It was a 27-21 loss, a reminder that the COC is deeper than it’s ever been. But then? They absolutely dismantled Willard 55-0.
The Rivalry Games Everyone Circles
You can't talk about Webb City football without talking about Carthage and Joplin. It’s sort of a local law.
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The October 17th matchup at Carthage ended in a 28-14 loss. Carthage has been a thorn in Webb City's side recently, and that road game is always a hostile environment. But the Cardinals bounced back. They traveled to Joplin on October 24th and secured a massive 42-28 victory. For a team that lost a one-point heartbreaker to the Eagles the year prior, that win was therapeutic. It was more than just a game; it was a statement.
Why the Postseason Matters Most
In Webb City, the regular season is just the preamble. The real season starts in November. This year, the Cardinals entered the Class 5 State Tournament with a head of steam.
District Play and Beyond
On October 31st, they hosted Parkview and handled business with a 52-21 win. It looked like the Cardinals were peaking at exactly the right time. However, the rematch against Republic on November 7th didn't go as planned. A 41-24 loss ended the run.
It’s easy to look at that and feel disappointed. But look at the roster. You've got guys like Travien Turner and Slade Hurd who have been absolute anchors. The offensive line, led by Louden Bolinger and Kayle Chrismon, is massive. We're talking about 290-pound juniors who are only going to get stronger.
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The Coaching Shift: Life Under Ryan McFarland
Transitioning away from the John Roderique era was never going to be easy. Roderique is a literal legend in Missouri high school sports. Ryan McFarland is now in his third season, and you can see the identity of the team shifting. It’s still physical. It’s still "Webb City Football." But there's a modern edge to the offensive schemes now.
The coaching staff is deep. You’ve got Aaron Davied handling the defense and Trey Derryberry working with the secondary. It’s a group that understands the tradition but isn't afraid to adapt. Honestly, that’s the only way to survive in Class 5 these days.
Breaking Down the Stats: Who’s Stepping Up?
If you're following the Webb City MO football schedule closely, you're likely watching the individual growth of these players.
- Karsen Myers (Safety): A senior leader who has been a vacuum in the secondary. He had 37 tackles in 2024 and has been even more impactful this season.
- Jackson Lucas: A quarterback who can hurt you with his feet. In that 2024 Joplin game, he put up 123 rushing yards. That kind of dual-threat capability is what makes this offense go.
- Mason Young and Holden Johnson: These guys are huge targets in the passing game. At 6'3", they provide the kind of mismatch that keeps defensive coordinators up at night.
What Most People Get Wrong About Webb City
People see a few losses and think the dynasty is over. That’s a mistake. Webb City has a "culture of winning" that doesn't just evaporate. It’s built into the junior high programs—where they are also crushing it, by the way. The Junior High Cardinals recently put up 40+ points against Republic and Willard.
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The pipeline is full. The talent is there.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Parents
If you're planning to follow the team through the rest of the school year and into the 2026 prep:
- Check the MSHSAA Site Regularly: Game times for playoffs and district matchups can change based on weather or broadcasting needs. The MSHSAA District 6 page is your best friend.
- Get to Cardinal Stadium Early: Parking for the Carthage or Joplin games is basically a sport in itself. If you aren't there 45 minutes before kickoff, you're walking a mile.
- Support the Boosters: The facilities at Webb City are top-tier because the community invests. Whether it's the "Quarterback Club" or just buying a burger at the concession stand, it matters.
- Watch the JV and Freshman Games: If you want to see the future of the varsity roster, those Monday night games are where the real scouting happens.
The Webb City MO football schedule isn't just a list of dates. It's a journey through the heart of Southwest Missouri. While the 2025 season had its ups and downs, the foundation remains unshakable. The Cardinals aren't going anywhere.
To stay ahead of the game for the upcoming 2026 spring camps and summer weights, keep an eye on the official school athletic portal. That is where the offseason conditioning schedules are posted, which usually gives a hint at who the breakout stars for the next fall will be. Stay focused on the development of the underclassmen on the offensive line, as they will be the deciding factor in Webb City's return to a state championship game.