- By Chad Hayworth (for Ozarkssportszone.com)
NEOSHO – Carthage took advantage of a series of Neosho mistakes on Thursday, blowing open a close game in the second quarter and rolling to a 56-14 victory.
The win clinches a COC West title for the Tigers, who are also the No. 1 seed in Class 5, District 6.
"We were very complementary tonight, offense to defense," said Carthage Coach Jon Guidie. "And we were very opportunistic, taking advantage of some opportunities that were given to us."
The Tigers (8-1 overall, 4-0 COC West) are on a five-game winning streak, after dropping a Week 4 game at Nixa.
"There is a lot of pressure on these guys week to week," Guidie said. "It's special because not too many people get the opportunity to actually come out and control your own destiny here in the last week."
Tied at 14 late in the first half, Carthage reeled off three touchdowns in the final three minutes to take a commanding lead.
The Tigers capped a six-play, 64-yard drive with an 8-yard touchdown run from Tate Nichols with 2:50 to go in the half.
On the next drive, Carthage quarterback Zane Browning completed three passes for 49 yards and ran for 10 more, including a 33-yard strike to Jack Carlton for a 28-14 lead with 51 seconds to play.
Neosho fumbled and lost the ensuing kickoff, one of three kickoff fumbles on the night, giving Carthage the ball at the Tiger 33-yard line.
Browning drove the Tigers to the Wildcat 1-yard line, and Landon West got his second touchdown of the night on a dive with six seconds remaining. Carthage led 35-14 at the break.
West took the second half kickoff 86 yards for his second score, pushing the lead to 42-14.
The Tiger defense forced another Neosho punt (on fourth down this time) and six plays later, West scored again, this time on a 14-yard run.
The Wildcats mounted a drive and were near midfield when quarterback Blayne Patterson's pass was picked off by junior defensive back Malachi Dougless, who returned the ball 56-yards for a pick six and a 56-14 lead.
"A lot of kids stepped up tonight and contributed," Guidie said. "It wasn't just one kid or two, just a great all-around effort. I'm just so proud of them."
The loss is the third-straight for Neosho, who started the season 4-0 before faltering down the stretch.
Neosho (5-4, 1-4) scored on the game's opening drive when Patterson broke through the middle of the Tiger defense and scampered 63 yards for the touchdown.
Carthage answered with 10-play, 72-yard drive, capped by Browning's 4-yard touchdown run.
The Tigers appeared to be on the verge of scoring again early in the second quarter. Browning hit Brayden O'Dell over the middle and the senior tight end barreled to the 2-yard line, where he was tripped up and fell to his knees. After hitting the turf, he twisted, reaching for the goal line and losing the football.
The ball trickled into the end zone and officials ruled it a touchback.
But Carthage got the ball back after a bad snap on fourth and 10 from the Wildcat 20-yard line, recovering the ball at the 12. Two plays later, West gave Carthage a 14-7 lead.
Neosho answered with another big run from Patterson, this time a 34-yard run for a touchdown, tying the game at 14 with 5:55 to play in the first half.
Browning finished the night completing seven of 10 passes for 110 yards and a touchdown, while running 15 times for 131 yards and a score. West rushed for 105 yards and three touchdowns, plus the kickoff return for a score.
Carlton carried just twice, for 49 yards and a touchdown.
Patterson led Neosho with 118 yards rushing on seven carries, while completing five of 14 passes for 38 yards and the interception.
Keisean Rhone carried the ball 19 times for 121 yards for the Wildcats.