Webster Groves players hoist the Frisco Bell. (Max Gersh/P-D)

Webster Groves coach Cliff Ice cautioned that he didn’t want to sound arrogant. But after his Statesmen defeated rival Kirkwood in the annual Turkey Day Game 35-14 on Thursday, the coach said the outcome was what he expected.

Ice talked about his young squad playing much better as the season went on, before a rough stretch during districts — which included several players being suspended before playing Vianney and quarterback Derrick Dilworth getting hurt in the first half against Chaminade — contributed to the Statesmen missing the playoffs for the third consecutive season.

So nearly a month after losing at Chaminade, Webster Groves walked off the grass at Moss Field victoriously, fervently ringing the Frisco Bell and confident that the future was bright.

The Webster Groves roster for Thursday’s Turkey Day Game included more sophomores (13) than seniors (10).

Several underclassmen played key roles in the victory, including sophomore quarterback/defensive back Marquis Clemons, sophomore linebacker Jason Meehan, freshmen wide receivers Demetrius Robinson and Michael Cole and sophomore defensive back Ketrick Large.

“I think it was a pretty good blueprint for what we’re going to be for the next few years,” Ice said.

Clemons rushed for 109 yards, scored three touchdowns, blocked a punt and an extra-point attempt and intercepted a pass. Meehan was one of Webster’s leading tacklers. Robinson’s first varsity catch was a one-handed touchdown reception in the second quarter. Cole had a 27-yard catch. Large had an interception late in the fourth quarter.

“We’re young,” Clemons said. “We’ve got a lot of talent. The (offensive) line is looking nice. It’s on next year. I think we’re going to be able to go to state.”

Among the juniors who figure to play prominent roles next season are quarterback Derrick Dilworth, lineman Aaron Arnold, linebacker Ryan Mack and wide receiver/defensive backs David Scanlon, Jaremy Harris and Bradley Bozoarth.

“We’ve got a good junior class, good sophomore class and freshmen,” Dilworth said. “They are going to be real good for the next couple years.”