LEBANON − For all the barriers Lebanon has shattered in Will Christian's 18-year reign, there appears to be a steel beam in front of the Class 5 semifinals.
Top-ranked Carthage handled Lebanon 35-14 on Saturday, the Yellowjackets' fifth quarterfinal loss in six years.
Lebanon (11-2), a district power, has yet to reach the penultimate weekend of Missouri high school football.
Carthage (11-1), three years removed from a state championship, returns to familiar territory next week when it hosts Francis Howell (12-0) of St. Charles.
"I'm sure our fanbase is frustrated. I get it. It's on me," Christian said.