Carthage's Gall gashes Republic defense in Opener

By: 
Michael L. Misfeldt

Republic’s Gunner Ellison grabs a contested throw in the end zone for a second-half touchdown. (Photo by Steve Rackley/Flat Top Photos)

Defending Central Ozark Conference champ Carthage exploded for 42 points in the first half, rolling to a 56-26 win in Carthage to start the 2022 football season, Friday. Carthage running back Luke Gall rushed for 130 yards and five touchdowns on only 15 carries. He also one receiving touchdown and 126 yards in receptions.
Republic scored just once in the first half, and it was an answer to Carthage’s opening touchdown. A good kickoff return by Daniel Phillips put the ball near midfield, and it didn’t take long for Gunner Ellison to score on a 53-yard run up the left sideline, tying the score.
From there, though, things fell apart for Republic, and coach Ryan Cornelsen wasn’t happy with the way his players handled it.
“I was probably more embarrassed with our lack of character at times than I was the score,” Cornelsen said. “An embarrassing game like that, in Game 1, it will do it to you in a hurry, so we had to get that addressed.
“But then we came back and I couldn’t be more proud of how they responded in the second half and listened and understood our character can’t change, win or lose, good or bad.”
Both teams scored on their first play from scrimmage after halftime. Cooper Jadwin rushed for 74 yards to make the score 49-7, but Wyatt Woods connected with James Rexroat on Republic’s first play after that to make it
49-14.
Later in the second half, Woods completed a 50-yard strike to Ellison for another touchdown. And after another Carthage score, Woods completed a 14-yard pass to Ellison to make the score 56-26.
Republic finished with 199 rushing yards on 32 carries, but most of that yardage came on a few long runs. The Carthage defense keyed on Connor Sandridge most of the night, holding him to 48 yards on 10 carries. Kanon Krol carried the ball five times for eight yards. Woods was the team’s leading rusher with 11 carries and 79 yards.

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Lawrence County Record

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Mt. Vernon, MO, 65712
www.lawrencecountyrecord.com

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