Platte County falls short at Webb City in Missouri Class 4 semifinals

The Platte County offense resembled something near automatic production for more than a two-month spell this football season. In nine straight weeks, it totaled at least 30 points.

The exception came Saturday at Webb City. And it bounced the Pirates from the postseason.

Webb City defeated Platte County 21-18 in the Missouri Class 4 state semifinals.

Webb City led 14-0 before Platte County scored in its next two possessions, cutting the margin to 14-10. Platte County (11-3) had the ball with less than a minute remaining in the game but couldn’t get within field-goal range to force overtime.

“It was a great high school football game,” Platte County coach Bill Utz said in a phone interview after the game. “They had some kids step up and make some big plays, and we did as well. We just couldn’t find the end zone, or we ran out of time. But overall, I thought we played really well.”

Webb City will play Ladue at 7 p.m. Friday in the Class 4 state championship.

Platte County had no problem moving the football Saturday — it out-gained Webb City 358 yards to 337 — but it turned the ball over three times.

Gavin Hardman ran for two touchdowns for Platte County. Quarterback Tanner Clarkson threw for 314 yards.

“We fought until the end, and that’s something this group has always done,” Utz. “They weren’t going to go out easy, one way or the other. There’s nothing to be disappointed about or ashamed of.”

This story was originally published November 18, 2017 at 7:05 PM with the headline "Platte County falls short at Webb City in Missouri Class 4 semifinals."