The Republic defense played its best game in recent memory, and the Tigers used a late score to beat Neosho 13-8.
The Tiger defense set the tone early, stopping Neosho on its first drive, and forcing a fumble on another. But Neosho got on the scoreboard first when a bad snap on a Republic punt attempt sailed into the end zone, forcing a safety and giving Neosho a 2-0 lead.
Republic jumped on top late in the first quarter, when Nick Williams connected on a 23-yard touchdown pass to Camry Cowan. (Video) The Tigers converted the extra point to lead 7-2.
Neosho threatened to score on its next possession, driving to the Republic 6-yard line before the Tiger defense stopped the Wildcats on downs. (Video) The score stayed 7-2 through the end of the first half.
Defenses continued to dominate for most of the third quarter, with the teams trading offensive possessions. But with :47 left in the quarter, Tyler Rathmann scored on a 6-yard run to give Neosho the lead again. The 2-point conversion was no good, and it was 8-7. (Video)
Republic’s offense continued to sputter until their final drive. Two key plays helped extend the drive. One was a screen pass to James Desjardins on 3rd and long that moved the chains and allowed the Tigers to hang onto the ball. The second was a 4th down conversion by Jake Laswell.
The winning score came on a 9-yard run by quarterback Nick Williams with about 3:30 left in the game. Republic attempted a 2-point conversion, but fell short. (Video
The Tigers defense stopped Neosho to force a punt, then held the Wildcats on one final desperation play to secure the victory.
Republic finished the game with 187 total yards of offense, compared to 252 for Neosho. Nick Williams led the Tigers with 88 rushing yards.
The win improves Republic’s record to 2-1. They play Branson next week.
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