Republic Tigers rebounds with dominant home victory

Republic’s response after the previous week’s loss at Carthage was decisive. The Tigers dominated Neosho from the opening series, building a 35-0 halftime lead and cruising to a 42‚Äì14 win Friday night.
Neosho had moved the ball against everyone this season, but Republic stopped that trend cold. The Wildcats didn’t record a first down until late in the second quarter and finished with just three for the game.
“We challenged them all week... be accountable to your assignment,” said coach Ryan Cornelsen. “Tonight you saw discipline throughout the game–on both sides of the ball–and we played hard.”
Republic’s physical advantage showed early and lasted all night. The Tigers ran the ball 62 times for 377 yards, pushing Neosho’s defensive front backward all night. Quarterback Preston McCracken led the way with 145 rushing yards, 106 passing yards, and three total touchdowns. He sparked the second score with a 27-yard keeper, then found Keiran Govan on a 45-yard play-action strike before connecting with Jin Villasica from seven yards just before halftime.
“The O-line was getting a push every play,” McCracken said. “After last week, we wanted to come out fast and angry, and we executed.”
Running back Izaiah Hull powered through the middle for 83 yards and two touchdowns, including the seven-yard run that capped Republic’s opening drive. Matthew Pelfrey finished the scoring for Republic with a three-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter.
By that point, the Tigers had already decided the outcome. Reserves rotated in as Neosho managed two late scores against a defense that had otherwise controlled the night.
Republic finishes the regular season with a home game against Willard on Senior Night. The game will be played on Thursday instead of Friday.