Connor Sandridge rushed for 197 yards in Republic’s win over Branson. (Photo by Steve Rackley / Flat Top Photos)

Sandridge, Tigers Pound Pirates for Win #5

When Connor Sandridge scored on a 17-yard touchdown run to put Republic up 7-0 in the first quarter, he was just getting started. Sandridge exploded for 197 rushing yards and three touchdowns to help Republic blast Branson 42-3 in the final regular-season game of the year.

Branson caught the Republic offense by surprise with some blitzes the Tigers weren’t prepared for, forcing a punt on Republic’s first possession. But coach Ryan Cornelsen said the Tigers made adjustments to get rolling.

“They shot some gaps and got us that first drive. But after that, I felt like the kids picked it up and started coming off and blocking down, and we did a good job of executing at that point and putting points on the board.”

Sandridge scored two of Republic’s three touchdowns in the first half. He followed up his first score with the longest play from scrimmage all night – an 81-yard gallop with 1:39 left in the first quarter to make the score 14-0.

“I think it was Carson Taylor on the edge. He had a great block setting up a whole and nobody was left to come make the tackle,” he said. “Every week, we’re putting in new stuff, learning it, and getting better.”

When Republic’s defense got onto the field between Tiger scoring drives, it made things difficult for the Pirates. Branson managed just 46 yards in the first half and 81 for the entire game, while Republic racked up more than 400 yards on the ground. The Pirates had to punt on their first four possessions, managing just one first down in the first quarter.

“Our defense had a good plan and came out and executed that plan,” said coach Ryan Cornelsen.

With Republic leading 14-0, quarterback Avery Moody got in on the act. Moody scored on a 29-yard touchdown run with 8:23 remaining in the first half to make the score 21-0.

Branson threatened to score on its next possession, and even got the ball into the end zone on a long pass completion, but it was called back because of a holding penalty. It was one of two Branson touchdowns negated by penalties.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHlVvYdVwHs

After halftime, the Tigers put the game out of reach with three touchdowns in 2:17 in the third quarter. They got things started with a six-play, 83-yard drive that featured Sandridge’s second long run of the night. He scampered 61 yards to score with 8:36 remaining in the third quarter, making the score 28-0.

On Branson’s next drive, the Tigers scored on one of the wildest plays of the season so far. Branson running back David Hadaller fumbled the ball and a Branson lineman picked it up around the 15 yard line. The lineman lost it again and someone else kicked it about 15 yards sideways, where Gavyn Beckner had an opportunity to scoop it up. He was unable to grab it, the ball squirted loose again toward the end zone, and eventually defensive back Hayden Jones looked down in the end zone to see the ball on the ground. He jumped on it for a touchdown, and Republic took a 35-0 lead.

Branson fumbled the ensuing kickoff and Noah Reese recovered. Not long after, with 6:19 remaining in the third quarter, Gunner Ellison took a handoff from Sandridge on a reverse. He took the ball to the left side, cut back to the middle, and scored on a 43-yard run, making the score 42-0.

Republic made one more big defensive play when Cole Gimlin blitzed and forced a rushed throw by Branson quarterback Tristan Pierce. The pass floated and linebacker Daniel Kotov picked it off, setting up the Tigers for another potential score, but Branson’s defense got a stop.

Branson scored on a field goal late in the fourth quarter against the second-string defense to make the score 42-3, where it ended.

In addition to Sandridge’s big night, Republic got a touchdown and 73 rushing yards from Moody on 14 carries. Gunner Ellison had three carries for 57 yards and a touchdown. Kanon Krol had four carries for 14 yards, and Ezekiel Meads had three carries for three yards.

Republic improves to 5-4, and will host Springfield Parkview next week in the opening round of district play. The winner of that game will play Webb City in Week 11.

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