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WEBB CITY CARDINALS – FOOTBALL

Webb City High School went 7–4 and returns a large group of experienced players. Head coach Ryan McFarland, in his 13th year (last three as head coach), writes, “We are really excited about the 2026 football season. We return 5 offensive starters and 7 defensive starters,” plus “an additional 14 players who lettered in 2025” who contributed on special teams and as rotational players. He notes they return three offensive‑line starters and a tight end and are “real excited about our defensive line depth,” adding that winning the OL/DL battle gives them “a chance to be successful.” His staff includes Logan Bell, Masen Cook, Aaron Davied, Trey Derryberry, Tanner Hails, Durand Henderson, Eric Jones, Jose Speer, Logan Walker, Zeke Wall, Brayden Wilson and Brentan Wilson.

Offensively, Webb City returns five starters and runs a split‑back veer. McFarland writes they “try to use play action pass to take advantage of aggressive defenses,” use gun formations as a change‑up, and want to be “fundamentally sound” with “extremely physical” ball carriers and blockers. Senior lineman Louden Bolinger (6‑0, 250) is all‑state, all‑conference, senior lineman Kayle Chrismon (6‑0, 265) is all‑conference, senior tight end Grayson Gannaway (6‑1, 215) returns as a key blocker/receiver, junior lineman Caleb Meinershagen (6‑1, 245) adds size up front, junior running back Drake Claborn (6‑0, 210) steps into a bigger role, and senior quarterback Mason Young (6‑4, 200) leads the offense.

Defensively, seven starters return in a 4‑2‑5 base. Senior defensive lineman Cooper Tingle (6‑2, 205), senior linebacker River Lenker (6‑0, 195, all‑conference), senior linebacker Ethan Keller (5‑9, 185), junior defensive back Braylan Coleman (6‑0, 180), senior safety Barek Hoffman (6‑0, 190, all‑conference), and junior defensive lineman Cooper Ray (6‑0, 225) form the listed defensive core. McFarland says they “try to be simple and fundamentally sound so that our players can play fast,” and that after being young on defense last year they are eager to see what an experienced group can do.

Bolinger is the MVP nominee, a three‑year offensive‑line starter who will also see defensive‑line snaps; he was heavyweight runner‑up in wrestling and is “one of the top 10 Junior shot put throwers in the nation” with a throw over 63 feet. Claborn is the underclassman to watch, a bigger‑than‑typical Webb City RB who was a change‑of‑pace back in 2025 and is now expected to thrive in a full‑time role, noted for strength, improved speed and a mindset to “do everything right.”