The Republic Tigers fell just short of a miracle comeback in Branson Friday night, losing to the Pirates 28-27 in a frantic finish.
As the fourth quarter began, Republic led 21-14, but two quick strikes by Branson gave them the lead. The PIrates scored on a 51-yard touchdown run by Malachi Daniels with about eight minutes left in the game to tie it, then scored gain shortly after that, on a 32-yard run by Austin Burke. That gave the Pirates a 28-21 lead with four minutes left.
But Republic answered, driving the field in about two minutes, and scoring on a 16-yard run by Jake Laswell to cut the lead to 28-27. Coach Kurt Thompson decided to go for the 2-point conversion, and the lead, but the Branson defense stopped quarterback Nick Williams when he kept the ball on the option.
After Republic tried an on-side kick, Branson only had to pick up enough yardage to run out the clock–but the Tigers defense came with a big stop. On 4th and 4, Branson went for a first down to seal the victory, but fumbled. Republic lineman Chanton Williams picked up the ball and rumbled down to the 22-yard line, setting up one last chance for the Tigers in the final minute.
Because Republic was out of time outs, they threw the ball into the end zone on the first two plays of the series. Both fell incomplete. On 3rd down, the Branson defense got to Williams before he could throw it, essentially ending the game as time ran off the clock. The Tigers didn’t have enough time to get the kicking unit onto the field for a game-winning field goal.
The game started just like last week’s win over Neosho for the Tigers, with a bad snap on a punt sailing into the end zone and causing a safety. Two possessions later, Isaiah Daniels scored on a 31-yard run to make the lead 8-0.
The Tigers got on the board on their next possession, when Camry Cowan scampered 50 yards for a touchdown. The two-point conversion was no good, and it was 8-6 Branson.
On the next possession, Gabe Dickinson hauled in a 35-yard touchdown pass to give Branson a bigger cushion again, extending the lead to 14-6.
Republic had chances in the second quarter to score again. The Tigers drove deep into Branson territory before fumbling into the end zone, just when it appeared they might tie the game. Later in the half, Republic drove into field goal range, but the kick was blocked, leaving the halftime score at 14-6.
The Tigers seized the momentum with two quick scores in the third quarter. James Desjardisn scored on a two-yard run, then converted the two-point try, and the teams were tied at 14.
After Republic’s defense stopped Branson on three plays, the Tigers offense scored again to take the lead. A 33-yard pass from Williams to Beau Allen set up a touchdown run by Jake Laswell, and Republic nabbed a 21-14 lead.
The Tigers stopped Branson again on its next drive, but a fumble on the next drive opened the door for Branson to tie the game, setting up the wild 4th quarter.
The loss drops the Tigers to 2-2. Branson wins its first game of the season to improve to 1-3.
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