Nixa used a punishing running game to wear down the Tigers defense in a 41-6 win at Republic. The Eagles racked up 304 rushing yards and 441 yards in total. They were led by quarterback Austin Schweiss with 125 rushing yards.
Republic grabbed the momentum early, when Garrett Metscher picked off a pass on the third play of the game, and ran it 32 yards into the end zone. The extra point was no good, and Republic led 6-0.
The defense got the ball back for Republic, but quarterback Zach Hall threw an interception to end the drive. That’s when Nixa’s offense took over. They put together a methodical drive that ended with a 1-yard run by Schweiss, and went ahead 7-6.
In the 2nd quarter, Nixa got the ball with good field position on two straight possessions. The Republic defense held them to two field goals, and Nixa led 13-6 with 7:16 left in the half.
The final two minutes of the first half were the biggest of the game. Republic threatened, moving the ball to the 11 yard line. But on a 4th and two, Nixa’s defense held. The Eagles took the ball 89 yards before the end of the half, and extended the lead to 20-6 on a 4-yard run by Schweiss.
In the 3rd quarter, Nixa took control. A 20-yard run by Alec Murphy made it 27-6. Another score with 2:25 left in the quarter made it 34-6.
Republic again drove the field and had a drive stall out in the red zone when Nixa stopped the Tigers at the 4-yard line. On the ensuing series, Nixa threw a 96-yard touchdown pass to extend their lead to 41-6.
