By Ken Hansard 

Football in the always tough Central Ozark Conference can be a grind.  The Webb City Cardinals, a perennial power in the COC, finished their regular season last year with a record of 3-6, but the seasoning they received from that tough schedule allowed them to make a run in the playoffs, winning three games in a row before finally finishing their season 6-7. Heading into the 2025 season, Mason Williams, senior running back and outside linebacker for the Cardinals, expects big things. “Our goal is to win a district championship and go on to the state title.” 

Williams says that his love for sports comes from the fellowship it engenders, calling it a brotherhood.  Partly inspired by that idea, Mason is ready to lead his charges in his final season as a Cardinal, “I’m looking forward to being a senior leader for my team and getting to know my teammates and grow with them. I try to be a good role model for the underclassmen.” 

Mason was named to the All-District Team at linebacker last season and would like to receive similar honors again this fall.  “It would be great to be named an All-Conference player. Being named All-District was an honor, because there are a lot of great guys in our district.” 

Williams says that he and his teammates have had a good off-season in the weight room, getting stronger, faster, and getting to know each other.  He says that, even though the Cardinals will be young and somewhat lacking in varsity experience, he and his teammates are optimistic about the upcoming schedule, “We’re excited that the season is about to begin. I believe we are in the early stages of becoming a great team.” 
 

When he is not starring on the gridiron for the Cardinals, Williams stays active in his school’s culture.  He is a student council member and participates in PALS.  He plays baseball in the spring. After high school, he plans to attend college to become a CRNA.