Senior center Garrett Presnall led a group of several football Tigers who earned post-season honors. Presnall was named to the All-Conference, All-District, and All-Area teams, and he also earned academic all-state recognition.
Presnall (2nd team) was one of three Tigers on the All-Central Ozark Conference Squad. Devon Ward was a 3rd-team defensive back and Riley Watkins was a 3rd-team quarterback.
Presnall, Ward, and Watkins were also named to the All-Area team by the Southwest Missouri Football Coaches Association. They were joined on that team by defensive end Chris Hill.
Hill (2nd team), Presnall (1st team), Ward (1st team), and defensive back Cooper Powell (2nd team) earned All-District honors in Class 5 District 5.
The Tigers landed four players on the Academic All-State team. Presnall, Watkins, Bryan Cole, and Jake Jones all earned that honor. To qualify, players must be starters who meet two of three academic criteria: a 3.5 grade point average; a score of 25 on the ACT exam; and in the top 10% of their class.
Presnall also won Republic’s “Garrett Blotter Award,” given annually to the player who most exemplifies the spirit of the Tiger football program.
Republic Earns Sportsmanship Award from Area Officials
In addition to the individual honors, the Southwest Missouri Football Officials Association awarded Republic football program its annual Shelby Rainey Sportsmanship Award. All football officials in southwest Missouri vote on the award, which recognizes sportsmanship among coaches, players, students, and fans. One community receives the award each year. Lebanon won the award in 2015.
It’s the first time Republic has won the award, but the second time that coach Wes Beachler has received it. His program at Houston won the award in 2004.
