By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Right place, perfect time.
One of the youngest players on the field was ready for the big moment.
Sophomore linebacker Kaleb Norman’s interception late in Saturday’s Class 5 state semifinal game helped the Republic Tigers seal a thrilling 21-20 victory over conference foe Webb City.
“They had run a play like that (earlier). I was just looking for the back out there,” Norman said. “They threw it, one of our guys got to their quarterback and he underthrew the guy.
“I was just happy to be there to get the interception. I was lucky enough to make the catch.”
Republic (12-2 overall) found more postseason magic on Saturday afternoon in front of a standing room-only home crowd.
Wyatt Woods’ 9-yard touchdown pass to running back Caide White on the final play of the third quarter proved to be the game-winning score.
Woods led the way for Republic, rushing for 130 yards and contributing to all three Tiger touchdowns.
The Tigers, who beat Lebanon 35-32 to win districts and defeated Helias Catholic 28-21 in last week’s quarterfinal round, have relished their underdog label this postseason.
“This is a group that believes in each other,” said Republic coach Ryan Cornelsen. “They’re not scared of anything. They think we’re going to go into any game and win because we put in the time and we have a good plan and they believe in it.
“The good Lord has blessed us for sure.”
The victory sends Republic to next week’s Class 5 state championship game.
Republic will play Cardinal Ritter (13-0 overall) at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1 at Mizzou’s Faurot Field in Columbia. Cardinal Ritter, which won the Class 3 state title last season, has won its four postseason games this year by an average of 50.5 points.
It’s unprecedented territory for the Republic side – the Tigers were 0-3 all-time in state semifinal games before Saturday’s historic win. Saturday marked Republic’s first semifinal appearance since 1986.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE GAME
“It’s unfathomable right now,” said Republic senior and tight end James Rexroat. “I’m sure I’ll take it all in after this, but right now it’s just crazy to believe.”
Cornelsen, who became Republic’s head coach in 2021, has quickly turned the program around in his short tenure. The Tigers went 6-5 in 2021 and 8-4 last season.
“It’s a true blessing. It really is,” Cornelsen said. “You take over a job and you don’t really know what it’s going to be like. I had never been to Republic, or Branson or Springfield for that matter. I took it on a leap of faith, and the good Lord has been really good to us.”
A Republic turnover inside Webb City territory midway through the fourth quarter set the stage for a dramatic finish.
Webb City, looking for the go-ahead score, chewed the clock on a 10-play, 44-yard drive on its ensuing possession. But on 3rd and 7 from the Republic 19, Republic senior linebacker Kendell Curbow tripped up Webb City quarterback Gabe Johnson on a scramble to the right.
Johnson’s desperation flick carried over to Norman, who dove for the game-clinching interception.
“Norman’s probably one of our savviest kids. He knows where he needs to be and it worked out perfectly that time,” Cornelsen said.
Republic, which lost 42-21 to Webb City in a mistake-filled Week 3 meeting, played much cleaner football the second time around.
Republic started the game with a 19-play, 68-yard scoring drive that lasted nearly 11 minutes. Woods’ 1-yard touchdown plunge put Republic ahead 7-0 late in the first quarter.
“The first game… I got too cute. I was trying to go off last year’s gameplan and what worked last year,” Cornelsen said. “It just didn’t work out and we turned the ball over. After that, we started to go to a different style, more aggressive and downhill.”
Webb City answered quickly, recovering a Republic onside kick attempt and then scoring on its first play from scrimmage – a Gabe Johnson 43-yard touchdown pass to Jackson Lucas.
Johnson, a sophomore, led Webb City with 238 total yards and two touchdowns.
The Cardinals briefly took the lead in the second quarter, but Republic went back in front (14-12) on a 63-yard touchdown pass to Rexroat as he got behind the Webb City secondary.
“I just saw a bunch of wide open green turf,” Rexroat said. “I caught it and ran. I almost tripped, actually, but I’m glad I didn’t.”
Johnson’s 43-yard touchdown run put Webb City back in front (20-14) early in the third quarter.
Later, the Tigers reclaimed the lead on a 10-play, 89-yard scoring drive that ended with Woods’ touchdown pass to White. Republic recovered the ensuing onside kick and was poised for an insurance score.
But after fumbling inside Webb City territory, it would be Republic’s defense that ultimately clinched the trip to Columbia.
“It’s a great moment for the whole city,” Norman said. “I’m just really proud to be a part of this team.”
Webb City finishes 10-3 overall under first-year head coach Ryan McFarland. The Cardinals’ season ends with a loss to Republic for the second year in a row.
Republic 21, Webb City 20
Webb City 6 6 8 0 — 20
Republic 7 7 7 0 — 21
First quarter
Republic – Woods 1 run (Cole kick)
Webb City – Lucas 45 catch from Johnson (kick failed)
Second quarter
Webb City – Jackson 4 run (run failed)
Republic – Rexroat 63 catch from Woods (Cole kick)
Third quarter
Webb City – Johnson 43 run (Johnson run)
Republic – White 9 catch from Woods (Cole kick)
WEBB CITY STAT LEADERS
Passing: Johnson 2/5, 79 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Johnson 15/159, 1 TD; Jackson 7/23
Receiving: Lucas 1/45, 1 TD; Jackson 1/34
REPUBLIC STAT LEADERS
Passing: Woods 4/7, 90, 2 TDs
Rushing: Woods 26/130, 1 TD; Krol 15/44
Receiving: Rexroat 2/74, 1 TD; White 1/9, 1 TD
