Republic football advances to district semifinals with rout of Parkview

Republic football pounded Parkview 42–6 to open district play at home Friday. A half-dozen running backs had at least 35 yards on the ground for the Tigers.
Republic has opened the playoffs with a win over Parkview in each of the last three seasons. This year’s scoring margin was narrower than the previous two meetings, but coach Ryan Cornelsen said his team played just as well.
“I felt like our kids, when we run that style of game plan, we don’t score quick, so you’ve just got to be patient and keep punching in,” Cornelsen said. “Our kids are used to that, and even though people would assume it was going to be breakout scores and high-scoring, that’s not really what we’re doing there, so I thought they did a good job at executing.”
Republic out-gained Parkview 475 yards to 152. The Tigers’ first-string defense held Parkview to minus-14 yards rushing in the first half. Linebacker Braydin Casey recorded two sacks. Garrett Lester had an interception.
Caide White led the Republic offense with 15 carries and 155 yards and two touchdowns. Daniel Phillips carried the ball 10 times for 97 yards and a TD. David Hayes compiled 35 yards on 10 carries. Backup quarterback Preston McCracken rushed the ball six times for 52 yards and a touchdown. Owen Klier had seven carries for 50 yards. Keiran Govan had 41 yards rushing on two carries. Treyton Gray carried the ball four times for 13 yards and a touchdown.
Republic (8–2) has won eight games in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 1990 and 1991, when it won nine games each year. The Tigers will host Willard in the district semifinals next week.