Trailing 21-13 with the game on the line, the Republic Tigers marched 75 yards on 20 plays to score a touchdown and keep their hopes alive. But their 2-point conversion attempt fell inches short, and Marshfield escaped with a 21-19 victory over the Tigers.
Republic methodically punched the ball through the Marshfield defense on its final possession, relying on strong interior running by Jacob Cooper and Ryan Sifferman. With less than a minute to play, the Tigers finally punched the ball into the end zone on a 5-yard run by Sifferman, leaving them with a 21-19 deficit. With a chance to tie, Republic tried a sweep to Cooper, who took the ball and darted for the front corner of the end zone. But two Marshfield defenders met him and knocked him out of bounds as he tried to reach across the goal line. The official ruled he was out of bounds, leaving the Tigers just short.
Republic fell behind early, as they have in most games this season. A touchdown pass to Jake Van Diggelen gave Marshfield a 6-0 lead. A touchdown by receiver Jared Greenlee early in the second quarter doubled the lead, and a 2-point conversion made it 14-0.
Republic answered with 4:16 left in the half on a 3-yard run by Cooper, making the score 14-7. A 49-yard run by Cooper in the 3rd quarter made it 14-13, but the Tigers missed their extra point attempt.
Marshfield answered, extending the lead to eight on another TD pass to Greenlee. That set up the final Tigers drive, which fell just short.
Cooper led the Tigers with 126 yards rushing on 23 carries. Sifferman carried the ball 24 times for 99 yards. Republic had 232 yards on the ground, and -3 yards passing.
Marshfield ended up with 231 total yards — 156 through the air. Quarterback Payton Bransfield was 12-of-20 passing. Dillon Harms added 83 yards rushing.
The victory makes Marshfield 1-0 in district play. Hillcrest also has a victory in the district, after they beat West Plains. The Zizzers and Tigers are both 0-1, and will meet next week.
