Quick-strike Eagles ruin Republic homecoming

The Class 6, state- ranked Joplin Eagles scored early and often, piling up 49 first-half points on the way to a 55-7 win in Republic Friday. Joplin scored a touchdown on all seven of its possessions in the first half. The Eagles scored three touchdowns before Republic moved the ball into Joplin territory for the first time. The only Republic score of the night came on a 12-play, 79-yard drive capped by a 14-yard touchdown run by
quarterback Lucas Hayes. Republic tried to surprise Joplin with an onside kick on the ensuing kickoff, and it almost worked. The ball bounced off the hands of a Joplin player and Republic’s Easton Prevo initially appeared to recover the fumble, but officials determined Prevo was out of bounds before he gained possession
of the ball. Joplin scored on that
possession, then three more times in the half, to build its 49-7 halftime lead. Another touchdown late in the game accounted for the final margin.
Republic had one other
touchdown called back in the second half. A pass over the middle to Claye White was complete, and he broke a couple of tackles on a run to the end zone, but Republic was flagged for having an ineligible man downfield.
Lucas Hayes completed five of 10 passes for 45 yards. He carried the ball 13 times for 48 yards and Republic’s only touchdown. Riley Sigman carried the ball 16 times for 73 yards. The Tigers compiled 178 total yards.
Joplin had 412 yards total. Isaiah Davis rushed the ball 10 times for 165 yards and four touchdowns.
Joplin remained undefeated. Republic fell to 1-3 and will host Willard this week.