The Tigers turned in a complete effort for the second week in a row, beating Willard 27-8 at home Friday. Avery Moody rushed for 117 yards and a touchdown, and Ezekiel Meads racked up 177 all-purpose yards for the Tigers, who start the season with two wins for the first since 2014.
Republic set the tone in dominating the first quarter. Just like in Week 1, the defense forced a turnover during the opponent’s first possession. This time, it was Landon Porter who picked off a pass to give Republic the ball. Three plays later, Josh Sterling scampered into the end zone from 16 yards out to cap a 23 yard drive and put Republic on top 6-0. Andre Northrup’s extra point was good.
The defense forced a punt on Willard’s next possession, and Republic scored again on a 72-yard drive that covered nine plays. It ended with an Avery Moody four-yard touchdown run. The extra point made it 14-0 with 2:36 left in the first quarter.
Willard got on the board after blocking a Republic punt. With 6:28 left in the first half, Willard scored on a two-yard touchdown run by Owen Bushnell. They missed the extra point and the score was 14-6.
In the third quarter, Republic extended its lead on its first possession. The Tigers went 75 yards in just five plays. Josh Sterling ripped off a dazzling 25-yard touchdown run, spinning around and caroming off defenders on his way to the end zone. The extra point was no good, and the score was 20-6.
Willard’s final two points came on an odd sequence late in the third quarter. After Willard fumbled inside the five yard line and Sandridge recovered, Willard’s defense got into the backfield and stopped Republic in the end zone for a safety.
Republic responded early in the fourth quarter with a 55-yard touchdown drive. On the seventh play of the drive, Memphis Maples scored from five yards out to make it 27-8.
Republic finished with 485 total offensive yards and held Willard to 198. It’s the second straight week Republic has held its opponent to fewer than 200 total yards.
Senior Josh Sterling made the most of his opportunities. He had five carries for 58 yards and two touchdowns. Gavyn Beckner completed five of eight passes for 91 yards, and he added 38 yards rushing. Maples had 29 yards rushing on six carries.
Hayden Jones also picked off a pass in the second half for the Tigers.
Republic is 2-0. Willard falls to 0-2. Republic is home next week against Webb City.