Republic Tigers roll past Hillcrest in district semifinals

Republic scored six first-half touchdowns and cruised to a 54–27 win over Hillcrest Friday night in the district semifinals. The victory advances the Tigers to this week’s championship game at Branson.
The Tigers (9–2) dominated from the start, building a 21–0 first-quarter lead on their first three possessions. Quarterback Preston McCracken scored on runs of seven and 19 yards, then connected with Cannon Ellison on a 47-yard touchdown pass.
In the second quarter, Republic extended its lead to 41–0. Mason Fleetwood scored on a two-yard run, Izaiah Hull added a one-yard touchdown, and Matthew Pelfrey capped the first-half scoring with another one-yard run. Trenten Coleman’s 51-yard reception set up Pelfrey’s score.
The first half allowed Republic to meet one of its pregame goals of running the offense with a healthy starting lineup after several weeks of injuries.
“I felt like we were able to run some of our stuff there that first half,” said coach Ryan Cornelsen. “We ran a few options. Preston hadn’t done (that) in a while, so it was nice for him to get to do that, and our that again, (and to) be able to throw the ball.”
Hillcrest (2–9) scored just before halftime on a pass from Aiden Myers to Ethan Weaver. The Hornets added two more touchdowns in the second half, but Republic maintained control with scores from Hull and Greg Hicks.
Fleetwood led Republic’s ground attack with 107 yards and a touchdown on eight carries. Hull added 90 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. McCracken rushed for 27 yards and two touchdowns while completing two passes for 98 yards. Ellison caught a 47-yard touchdown pass and Coleman had a 51-yard reception.
Republic will travel to Branson this week for the district championship game. They’re looking for their second straight district title.
 
Two Lady Tigers compete at state cross country meet in Columbia, Friday
Republic senior Gracie Troester and sophomore Catherine Wilson represented the Lady Tigers at the Class 5 state cross country meet Friday in Columbia, with Troester placing 71st and Wilson finishing 139th.
Troester, who battled injuries throughout her final season, ran a time of 19:51.1 to close out a decorated career that included four straight state appearances. She covered the first 1,000 meters in 3:34.3 to sit in 16th place early before crossing 2,000 meters in 7:26.2.
“Being on the team for four years has been really amazing. I’m really blessed…to compete with everyone,” Troester said. “Even though I didn’t get to run as much as I hoped, I still had an amazing team behind me to back me up, and people that were still loving and caring towards me, even if I was just the cheerleader for basically the whole season.”
Wilson completed her first state race in 20:56.4. She maintained consistent splits through the middle portion of the race after covering the first kilometer in 3:42.1.
“I knew it was going to be the most competitive race I’ve ever been in,” Wilson said. “This course is very hilly and it’s pretty wet outside, so it was very muddy. When I think of a cross-country race, this is what I think of.”
Coach Lexie Gallion praised both runners’ perseverance. Troester ran just four races this fall but qualified for state by placing sixth at districts. Wilson overcame early-season illness that affected her training to earn her first state berth.
“She faced so much adversity this season, and regardless of the outcome for her, she should just be proud that she made it here,” Gallion said of Troester. “She did awesome things with what she was given this season.”
Republic falls to Ozark in soccer district opener
Four first-half goals by Ozark ended Republic’s soccer season with a 4–1 district loss Wednesday night.
Micah Thrasher opened the scoring for Ozark with 36:07 remaining in the first half, then added another goal about 11 minutes later. Republic junior Elijah Phiri answered quickly, scoring 25 seconds after Thrasher’s second goal to cut the lead to 2–1.
Will Pinnell and Diego Zuniga created scoring chances for Republic midway through the first half before Ozark pulled away. Trey Burton made it 3–1 with 10:21 remaining, and Brady Schupp added another goal with 4:30 left before halftime. Neither team scored in the second half.
“Self-inflicted wounds,” said coach Jesus Zuniga. “(We were) communicating, but not always listening. It’s almost like we got a little scared at times.”
The loss ended Republic’s season at 10–16. It was the final high school match for seniors Porter Bollinger, Caleb Miclea, Miles Thomas and Diego Zuniga.
 
Four volleyballers earn All-COC West honors
Republic has four players on the All-Central Ozark Conference volleyball team for 2024. Reese Finley and Reese Frey both made the first team, while Kaylee Cornelsen and Adison Gibbs are on the second team. Frey, Cornelsen, and Gibbs are seniors; Finley is a sophomore.