WEBB CITY, Mo. — The 2026 home opener was a spectacular event for Mason Young and the Webb City High School football team, who delivered a striking performance against Waynesville High School. The Cardinals secured a decisive 63-19 victory in Central Ozark Conference play at Cardinal Stadium, marking a memorable start to their home campaign.
Webb City wasted no time establishing dominance, scoring on the very first play from scrimmage. Senior quarterback Mason Young connected with fellow senior Carter Lee for a stunning 65-yard touchdown pass, setting the tone for the game just 11 seconds in. "Every kid dreams of playing quarterback at home in front of a big crowd," Young remarked after the game. His enthusiasm was palpable as he described the thrill of looking up at the cheering fans, stating, "It’s a feeling like no other. It’s special." Young not only excelled in passing but also showcased his running ability, contributing two rushing touchdowns to the team's impressive tally.
Head coach Ryan McFarland emphasized the significance of the home opener, recalling his own experiences as both a player and coach at Webb City. "It’s a special place," he said. "I always remind our kids when we walk down that hill to take it all in. There’s not a lot of times in life when you get that experience." The atmosphere was electric, with the band playing and fans ringing cowbells, creating an unforgettable backdrop for the players.
Following the initial touchdown, Webb City quickly built a commanding 35-0 lead. Young's agility was on full display as he executed a 61-yard quarterback keeper, followed by a 5-yard touchdown run from junior running back Drake Claborn, who finished the game with an impressive 159 yards on 16 carries. The Cardinals continued to pile on the points with additional touchdowns from Claborn and sophomore Levi VanBecelaere, who contributed an 18-yard run to extend the lead further.
Despite the early onslaught, Waynesville managed to respond with two touchdowns in the second quarter, including a 65-yard pass from Wesley Rase to Adrian Calloway. However, Young's 31-yard touchdown run ensured Webb City maintained a significant lead at halftime, 42-13. The Cardinals' offensive unit racked up a total of 540 yards, with 407 coming from the ground game and 133 through the air.
In the second half, Webb City continued to assert their dominance, with VanBecelaere and senior Barek Hoffman adding to the score. Hoffman made an impact on defense as well, returning an interception for a 25-yard touchdown. Young, in just his second varsity start, demonstrated his potential, completing four passes for 133 yards and rushing for 119 yards on only five carries. Coach McFarland expressed confidence in Young's development, stating, "He’s going to keep getting better and better each week."
Webb City's defense also played a crucial role in the victory, applying consistent pressure on the opposing quarterback and maintaining high intensity throughout the game. The Tigers concluded the matchup with 221 total yards, split between 115 passing and 106 rushing. Freshman Brady Wallace contributed to the scoring by successfully converting all nine of his point-after-touchdown attempts.
This matchup was only the second meeting between Webb City and Waynesville, with the previous encounter dating back to 1993. With this victory, Webb City improved to 2-0 on the season and is currently ranked third in Class 5 by the Missouri Media. Looking ahead, the Cardinals will travel to Ozark (1-1) for their Week 3 matchup, aiming to build on their early-season success.
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