Republic whips Ozark for COC road win shutout

Republic shut out Ozark 35–0 Friday night, dominating on both sides of the ball on a rainy evening. The Tigers’ defense stifled Ozark’s offense, holding them to negative rushing yards in the first half. Republic’s offense overcame the wet conditions to build a 28–0 lead by halftime.
Preston McCracken connected with Owen Klier on a 21-yard touchdown pass to open the scoring. Treyton Gray’s 16-yard run put Republic up 14–0.
McCracken added two rushing touchdowns, from three and nine yards. Mason Fleetwood finished the scoring on a 9-yard carry in the second half to make it 35–0.
Ozark gained just 69 rushing yards, all after halftime, completing seven of 31 passes.
Cam Allen intercepted a pass for Republic, while Jin Villasica recovered a fumble.
“Both sides of the ball played well up front,” coach Ryan Cornelsen said. “I was proud of the defense. They found ways to stop Ozark and keep them out of the end zone.”
Cornelsen said Republic’s quickness countered Ozark’s size advantage. “We were outsized, but we’re quick off the ball and explosive. Sometimes those bigger bodies don’t move quickly enough, and we can get through.”
The win puts Republic at 2–1 heading into Friday’s home game against Kickapoo. Ozark drops to 1–2.