In a conference like the COC, with such a wide disparity in teams, it can be hard to judge how well a team is playing from one week to the next. But the scoreboard shows that Republic’s defense is playing better than ever over the last half of the season.
During weeks 1-5, Republic’s defense allowed opponents to score right around their season average. The defense allowed 28 points per game, and those five teams – Neosho, Willard, Webb City, Nixa, and Ozark – are averaging about 27 points per game overall.
But the last four games are a different story. The Tigers have held the last four opponents – Joplin, Carl Junction, Carthage, and Branson – more than a touchdown below their scoring average. Republic has allowed 21.5 points per game in that span, and those four opponents are averaging 30 points per game overall.
