Republic topples Webb City, ending 34-year drought

Twenty-four times over the past 34 years, Republic has met Webb City on the football field. Twenty-four times in a row, the Cardinals won the game. But that all ended Saturday afternoon when Republic exploded for 23 straight points in the second half, upsetting Webb City 30-21 in the district semifinals.
    Republic trailed 21-7 when a 53-yard touchdown pass from Wyatt Woods to James Rexroat sparked a crazy comeback. Mason Cole’s extra point made the score 21-14 with 1:11 left in the third quarter.
Republic followed it up with an onside kick, which Gunner Ellison recovered. Ellison caught a touchdown pass from Woods a few plays later, and another extra point tied the game.
    A second consecutive onside kick bounced Republic’s way when Ezekiel Meads jumped on the loose ball. Although the Tigers didn’t score on that possession, their field possession allowed them to pin Webb City against the goal line, thanks to a punt by Drew Buchanan that Garrett Lester downed at the one yard line. On the next play, Kendell Curbow made a tackle in the end zone, giving Republic a safety and a 29-27 lead.
    "The punt to put them down there was huge," coach Ryan Cornelsen said. "I don't think we've punted in the last five weeks, and I couldn't be prouder of that kid. He works and works and for five weeks he hasn't got a chance to do it. To step in there today and do it multiple times, and then pin them deep, was huge."
    After the safety, Republic's final scoring drive was its longest of the day. The Tigers drove 78 yards in nine plays, burning more than six minutes on the clock. Two 12-yard completions — one to Rexroat and one to Aidan Gregory — kept the drive moving. A 33-yard run by Sandridge was also a highlight, just before Woods sneaked into the right corner of the end zone to make the score 30-21. From there, the Tigers’ defense held off Webb City’s final drive and the Republic offense ran out the clock.
    "It feels really good," Cornelsen said of the win. "To watch the town and the kids, to watch them have that success and the excitement — we got here this morning and there were already some REPMO flags tailgating before we even got here — that's a special thing to be around that, and I'm very fortunate to be a part of it."
    Republic's defense played its best game of the year, keeping the score close when the offense struggled in the first half. Webb City had eight possessions. The Cardinals scored on three, punted three times, turned the ball over on downs, and gave up a safety.
    In the first half, Republic's offense struggled to get in sync, but the defense kept the Tigers close on the scoreboard. Webb City scored first after forcing a Republic punt in the first quarter. Breckin Galardo crossed the goal line after a one-yard run to make the score 6-0, and Webb City missed an extra point.
    Republic took its first lead on the next possession, driving 56 yards in eight plays. The drive included a 46-yard strike from Woods to Rexroat. Woods threw the ball into double coverage, threading the needle between two defenders to hit Rexroat, who was tackled at the one yard line. Two plays later, Woods sneaked across the goal line, and Mason Cole's extra point made it 7-6 Tigers.
    Webb City scored again on its next drive, going 53 yards on five plays. A 39-yard touchdown run by Galardo finished it off, and a two-point conversion gave Webb City a 14-7 lead.
    After Webb City forced another Republic punt, the defense made one of its biggest stands of the day. The Tigers stopped Webb City in the final minute of the first half, keeping the score at 14-7 before halftime with the Cardinals due to get the ball to start the second half.
    Republic out-gained Webb City 378 yards to 285. Republic rushed for 204 yards and passed for 174, tearing up the Webb City secondary in the second half. The Cardinals gained 278 of their 285 yards on the ground.
    Sandridge had a big day, carrying the ball 21 times, running over countless defenders, and finishing the game with 123 yards and a bloody nose. Woods rushed the ball 21 times for 73 yards and two touchdowns. He also completed nine of 19 passes for 178 yards and two touchdowns. Kanon Krol rushed the ball four times for eight yards.
    Gunner Ellison caught three passes for 23 yards receiving. Rexroat caught three passes for 111 yards. Aidan Gregory caught three passes for 44 yards.
    Republic improves to 8-3. Webb City finishes its season at 6-4. The loss by the Cardinals ends a 22-year streak of district championships.
    The win for Republic is the first against Webb City in program history, dating back to their first meeting, a close loss in 1988. Before Saturday, Webb City had beaten Republic 24 times without a loss — more wins without a loss for the Cardinals than against any other school.