[wpbvideo id=’306198′]
By Justin Sampson (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Revitalizing the Neosho football program catapulted Dustin Baldwin to Republic last year, where the effort to do the same with the Tigers began with a 3-7 campaign. Their only league victories came against Branson and Neosho before they fell to the latter in the opening round of districts.
Republic will now try to build momentum with this new regime firmly in place. A change of scenery may provide a spark as the Tigers move to their new $8 million multi-purpose stadium this fall.
“We are very excited to open up a brand-new facility that is shaping up to be amazing,” said Baldwin.
The Tigers must replace 11 starters, starting with All-COC quarterback Riley Watkins, now at Pittsburg State. There is no shortage of suitors to land his old job. Senior Kolby Mooneyham, juniors Lucas Hayes and Blake Hulland, and Jared Hughes all expect to vie for the spot deep into camp.
Hayes led the junior varsity to a 7-1 record in the COC-Large last year and also started some varsity games at linebacker.
CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL OF THE FALL SPORTS PREVIEWS
Whomever gets the nod will be tasked with raising the efficiency of the unit overall.
“Our offense put our defense in some very tough spots in 2017 so we hope we can make our defense better by having the ball longer.”
All-COC Third Team selection Jacob Terry leads that charge up front. The 6’2”, 250-pound lineman will be flanked by an experienced unit of seniors that includes Jordan Gold, Riley Narber, and Kyle Bougher.
Baldwin hopes they will be a catalyst for an improved run game, a facet that struggled at times last year. Seniors Nolan White and Jaden Duvall and junior Riley Singman are returning starters that have backfield reps.
“We are looking to be more physical as a unit,” said Baldwin. “That should start up front this year. We are bigger and stronger than we were a year ago.”
Cam Flood will be a go-to target in the passing game after turning in an All-COC Second Team campaign. The senior receiver/defensive back caught 31 passes for 719 yards and seven touchdowns. He will be a primary kick returner as well.
Fellow senior Brady Coggin will also contribute in both the passing game and in the trenches after his own all-conference season.
“Experience on the defensive line should be a solid strength for us,” said Baldwin. “We feel like we have 8-9 guys that can play solid in there.”
Duvall (S) and White (LB) will join him in key roles on defense as well. Duval did plenty of good things for the Tigers as a junior with 88 tackles, two interceptions, and two fumble recoveries. White finished third on the team with 78 tackles.
The Tigers also get a boost at kicker as senior soccer standout Drew Flippin will join the ranks after a final four run in the spring.
Physicality and efficiency are the keys for Republic success heading into the fall. Baldwin is eager to see what the fresh blood from a standout junior varsity squad can offer.
“We’ve had a solid offseason as our kids have upped their commitment level. There should be competition at several spots within our team. If players will buy into their roles we could have a very successful 2018.”
