Another slow start, and another turnover-plagued game, led to a 34-15 loss to Branson for the Republic Tigers.
Republic fell behind early for the third time in four games, when Fernando Cedeno kicked a Branson record 52-yard field goal to give the Pirates a 3-0 lead. The Pirates scored quickly on their next drive, on a 1-yard run by Malachi Daniels, and extended their lead to 10-0.
Two more Daniels touchdowns before halftime — from nine and six yards out — made the lead 24-0 at the break.
Republic got its only break of the game to start the second half, when Branson fumbled the opening kickoff. Republic recovered, and on the first play, quarterback Camry Cowan connected with Jaggar Deeds on a 35-yard touchdown pass to cut the lead to 24-7.
Branson answered on its next drive, with Malachi Daniels scoring his fourth touchdown of the game, and the PIrates led 31-7.
A fourth-quarter touchdown by the Tigers, ending on a 33-yard touchdown pass to Jacob Cooper, cut the lead back to 31-15. A final field goal by Branson made it 34-15, where the score ended.
Total yardage was almost even. Branson gained 341 total yards, including 210 yards on 18 carries for Daniels. Republic had 322 total yards — 212 on the ground. Cowan was the Tigers’ leading rusher, with 89 yards on 12 carries. Ryan Sifferman carried the ball 11 times for 30 yards. Cooper rushed for 50 yards on 12 carries.
Republic falls to 1-3 overall. They play rival Ozark next week on the road.
Branson is 1-3.
