By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Crunch-time mistakes led to big heartbreak for the Republic Tigers in Saturday’s Class 5 quarterfinal matchup against Helias Catholic.
Republic squandered a late lead and fell 24-21 in overtime in a postseason rematch from a year ago. The Tigers were shut out over the final two-plus quarters after leading by seven at halftime.
“It’s a tough one, no doubt. Our kids played their hearts out. Both teams did. It was a great game both ways,” said Republic coach Ryan Cornelsen. “We just made too many mistakes with not enough big plays to overcome it.
“And I have to do a better job. I can’t not put the ball in the endzone in the second half. I have to find the adjustment, find the play that works. That’s on me.”
Looking to run out the clock with 2:30 remaining in regulation, Republic fumbled inside its own 20. The Tigers’ defense was still in a good position after the sudden possession change, forcing Helias into a 3rd and 26 after a pair of penalties on the Crusaders.
But on 4th and 15, Helias quarterback Austin Weaver connected with Logan Hillman for a 24-yard touchdown that tied the game with 1:17 left. Hillman out-jumped a pair of Republic defenders to make the catch.
“He just made a good play. We had guys there in coverage. We mis-timed a jump, maybe,” Cornelsen said.
Helias won the game on Nic Calvaruso’s 36-yard field goal in overtime. Republic got the ball first in the overtime session but couldn’t pick up a first down on three plays. The Tigers missed a 39-yard field goal attempt preceding Calvaruso’s game-winner.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE GAME
Republic, which beat Helias Catholic 28-21 in the same round a year ago, was looking to make another postseason run after finishing Class 5 state runner-up last season
“All I ask of our kids is to play as hard and as smart as they can each play. They did that. I couldn’t be prouder of them,” Cornelsen said.
The fumble that set up Helias’ game-tying score will have Republic fans checking video replays over the next few days.
Republic argued that the ball-carrier, who was fighting for a first down, was already down before the ball came out. The fumble ruling was upheld.
“I thought the (ref) that first saw it was pointing (the runner) down. He said he didn’t,” Cornelsen said. “They didn’t overturn it. Things happen. We have to be better than worrying about one call. We have to do a better job of putting (the game) away before that.”
The first half played out in classic Republic fashion.
The Tigers had a 39-19 advantage in offensive plays. Republic quarterback Preston McCracken had 95 of his game-high 134 rushing yards in the first half, plus three touchdowns.
But the Tigers’ offense fizzled out in the second half. Republic gained just five first downs on six offensive series.
“We just weren’t getting the movement that we needed to do what we do,” Cornelsen said. “Just a few mistakes here and there that prevented us from playing a complete game and trying to find a way to win.”
Helias ripped off big plays to keep pace. Weaver had a long completion to set up the Crusaders’ first score, then hit Luke Swan for an 84-yard touchdown to tie the game midway through the second quarter.
CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO OF THE GAME
Weaver finished 8-for-24 for 226 yards and two touchdowns. He added a team-high 82 yards on the ground.
Izaiah Hull finished with 108 yards on 22 carries for Republic.
Republic finishes 10-3 overall. The Tigers, who won their second straight district championship, entered this season with a lot of question marks after graduating 19 starters from the 2023 state runner-up team.
“We really worked hard and got after it in the summer and got better. Here at the end, I feel like we had a real quality team,” Cornelsen said. “We were right there. We just didn’t make enough plays at the right time to win the game.”
Helias Catholic 24, Republic 21 (OT)
Helias 7 7 0 7 3 — 24
Republic 7 14 0 0 0 — 21
First quarter
Republic – McCracken 1 run (Phiri kick)
Helias – Weaver 1 run (Calvaruso kick)
Second quarter
Republic – McCracken 4 run (Phiri kick)
Helias – Swan 84 catch from Weaver (Calvaruso kick)
Republic – McCracken 1 run (Phiri kick)
Fourth quarter
Helias – Hillman 24 catch from Weaver (Calvaruso kick)
Overtime
Helias – Calvaruso 36 field goal
STAT LEADERS (unofficial)
Helias passing: Weaver 8/24 for 226 yards, 2 TDs
Republic passing: McCracken 1/6 for 17 yards, 1 INT
Helias rushing: Weaver 23/82, 1 TD; Marberry 3/28
Republic rushing: McCracken 26/134, 3 TDs; Hull 22/108; Fleetwood 8/33
Helias receiving: Hillman Swan 1/84, 1 TD; 2/52, 1 TD; Howell 4/74
Republic receiving: Uhl 1/17
Turnovers: Republic 2, Helias 0
