Republic edges Webb City 15–13 in defensive thriller on gridiron

Keegan Hunt (9) goes airborne as he bears down on Webb City quarterback Jackson Lucas (2).

Elijah Phiri (92) concentrates before the snap as he prepares to kick what would be the eventual game-winning field goal in the second half. (Photos by Steve Rackley)

Republic’s football team secured a narrow 15–13 victory over Webb City Friday night, with the defense making a crucial fourth-down stop in the final moments to preserve the win.
The game came down to a fourth-and–3 play from inside Republic’s 10-yard line. Linebackers Ethan Montiel and Chase Hicks combined to tackle Webb City running back Slade Hurd short of the first down, ending the Cardinals’ threat.
“I was so gassed at that point. I was just ready to find a hole and hit somebody,” Montiel said. “They ran directly at me. I knew that play, the ISO. And I just went low, got his legs, and wrapped him up and waited for everybody else to come in.”
Republic head coach Ryan Cornelsen praised his defense’s performance: “Defense played really well, outside of about two or three big plays there right out of the half. But, man, hats off to our defense.”
Starting quarterback Preston McCracken left the game with an injury in the second half. McCracken had rushed for 124 yards and a touchdown before exiting. Backup Trenten Coleman stepped in to lead a crucial drive that ended with Elijah Phiri’s game-winning 22-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter.
“TD stepped in there and had confidence, and the kids had confidence in him,” Cornelsen said. “So I was proud of him for being a leader and stepping in.”
Republic’s offense dominated on the ground, accumulating 351 of their 409 total yards via rushing. Mason Fleetwood added 76 yards on 12 carries, while Izaiah Hull contributed 82 yards on 15 attempts. Matthew Pelfrey opened the scoring with a nine-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.
Webb City’s offense found its only success with its wide receivers on two big running plays. Those plays combined for 167 of the team’s 215 rushing yards and included an 80-yard reverse by Andrew Young to open the third quarter, which helped the Cardinals briefly take a 13–12 lead.
The victory is the first ever in the regular season against Webb City for the Tigers. It’s also the first time Republic has beaten Webb City in consecutive games. The Tigers are now 3–1 in their last four games against the Cardinals after losing their first 24 meetings.
The victory improves Republic’s record to 5–1, while Webb City falls to 2–4. Republic will host Carthage Friday.
 

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Lawrence County Record

312 S. Hickory St.
Mt. Vernon, MO, 65712
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