Another close game went the wrong way for the Tigers at home against Bolivar Thursday. The Liberators eked out a 3-2 (4-2) win in overtime penalty kicks to spoil Republic’s Senior Night celebration.
Bolivar jumped out to a 2-0 lead before Republic answered with two goals of its own, both of them by Phillip Mason. But neither team could score the go-ahead goal in regulation, and the score stayed knotted through two overtime periods. The Liberators put the game away after their keeper stopped Republic’s first two shots.
Before the game, Republic honored six seniors: Isaac Jordan, Braden Judson, Holden Kendrick, Jackson McGuire, Brendon Roberts, and Nathan Stalnaker.
“They’re a fun group to work with. They want to have fun, (but) they they work hard, and they get along really well with each other, and they support each other,” said coach Kevin Hauck.
The Tigers have struggled over the past few weeks, dropping to 6-12 with their loss to Bolivar. But Hauck said he remains hopeful they will be able to make some positive memories down the stretch.
“You definitely want to have a better year your senior year. But like I told them, and I’ve said it before, but with all the one-goal losses … any of those go our way, we’re 12-6 on the season. We’ve just got to keep our heads up and keep fighting through. We know we’re a good team, so all that matters is going into districts, If we can get some that bounce our way … we can turn the season around.”
