By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
A once-in-a-generation season just keeps getting better for the Republic Tigers.
On a historic day for the program, the Tigers got big performances from all three units and beat Jefferson City’s Helias Catholic 28-21 on Saturday afternoon in the Class 5 state quarterfinals.
“This is always what you hope for,” said Republic coach Ryan Cornelsen. “Our stands were packed on a beautiful day. What a great environment. Our kids played well, our community supported them.
“It’s just a great time to be a Tiger.”
The Tigers played keep-away in the first half and led by 14 at halftime, thanks to a 100-yard kickoff return and two onside kick recoveries.
In the second half, Republic’s ball-control offense and stingy defense helped the Tigers slam the door shut and earn the program’s biggest victory in nearly 40 years.
“It took a full team effort,” said Republic quarterback Wyatt Woods. “Offense, defense, special teams… Everything worked out for us today.”
The Tigers will host conference foe Webb City (10-2 overall) next Saturday, Nov. 25 in the Class 5 semifinal round. In the regular season meeting (Week 3), Webb City capitalized on five Republic turnovers and won 42-21. Republic beat Webb City in districts last year.
Next Saturday, Republic will be looking to advance to the state championship game for the first time in program history.
“It means everything. When’s the last time you heard about Republic football?” Woods said. “Just to win a district championship, and now we’re keeping it going. It’s been a long time.”
Amid a historical season, the Tigers (11-2 overall) are soaking it all up.
Republic hasn’t been to the state semifinals since 1986. Saturday marked Republic’s first state quarterfinals game in 28 years.
“It’s a lot of emotions right now,” said Republic senior and tight end Cory Craigmyle said. “I teared up after the game a little bit. We haven’t been here in forever, and now we’ve made history.”
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE GAME
An action-packed first half made the difference for the Tigers.
Republic jumped out to a 21-7 lead, behind back-to-back onside kick recoveries. Freshman Keiran “KG” Govan made both recoveries.
“If you watch us, we do (onside kicks) quite a bit,” Cornelsen said. “It’s something our kids take pride in being able to do. We got two, I thought we should’ve got three but we didn’t. Obviously, those were big in helping us get an early lead and hang on.”
Helias scored in just seven plays on the game’s opening drive, but Republic answered with a 100-yard kickoff return by senior Garrett Lester.
The Tigers recovered the ensuing onside kick and took the lead on a 10-play, 57-yard drive. Republic’s second straight onside recovery led to a 13-play, 51-yard scoring drive. Woods hit tight end Cory Craigmyle in the back of the endzone on 3rd and 12 from the 18.
“I was just supposed to run up the field and try to take the safety away from James (Rexroat),” Craigmyle said. “But the safety went toward James, so I was wide open in the back. Wyatt saw me and we connected.”
After scoring on the game’s opening drive, Helias didn’t run another play from scrimmage until the 10-minute mark of the second quarter – nearly 11 minutes of game time.
Republic’s ball-control offense tallied nearly 300 yards on the ground. Woods led the way with 111 yards on 24 carries. Fellow seniors Kanon Krol and Caide White added over 60 rushing yards apiece.
“We used to run the spread and throw it around like those other teams,” Woods said. “Now, we run the flexbone. I like to say that when you run the flex, you always got a chance.”
Helias pulled within 28-21 late in the third quarter. On its ensuing drive, Republic chewed nearly nine minutes off the clock before turning the ball over on downs inside the Helias 30.
The third play of that lengthy drive proved pivotal, as Woods found Craigmyle on 3rd and 2 for a 22-yard gain. The two improvised at the perfect time.
“Craigmyle was supposed to just be blocking,” Cornelsen said. “All of a sudden, he turns around and he’s wide open and Wyatt throws it to him. Sometimes, good things happen when it’s not really designed.”
Said Craigmyle: “I was just supposed to block their defensive end and stay home. Once I had him, I kind of tripped over him a little bit, I saw Wyatt scrambling. So I just ran out and tried to get open for him and make a play.”
Republic’s defense stepped up on Helias’s last drive, as the Crusaders were bidding to tie the game. Helias got as far as the Republic 35, but the Tigers’ 6th sack of the game ended the drive on downs. Republic ran out the clock from there.
“Our kids aren’t scared of anything,” Cornelsen said. “They just come out and play hard. We’re not very big, but we play extremely hard. They weathered the ups and downs in this game and made good things happen.”
Republic 28, Helias Catholic 21
Helias 7 7 7 0 — 21
Republic 14 14 0 0 — 28
First quarter
Helias – Weaver 15 run (Calvaruso kick)
Republic – Lester 100 kick return (Cole kick)
Republic – Woods 1 run (Cole kick)
Second quarter
Republic – Craigmyle 18 catch from Woods (Cole kick)
Helias – Weaver 37 run (Calvaruso kick)
Republic – White 37 run (Cole kick)
Third quarter
Helias – French 1 run (Calvaruso kick)
HELIAS STAT LEADERS (unofficial)
Passing: Weaver 10/15, 138 yards
Rushing: Weaver 11/84
Receiving: Lopez 6/107
REPUBLIC STAT LEADERS (unofficial)
Passing: Woods 2/4, 40, 1 TD
Rushing: Woods 24/111, 1 TD; Krol 16/69; White 9/62, 1 TD; Phillips 5/25
Receiving: Craigmyle 2/40, 1 TD
Defense: 6 sacks
