This is part of a series of team previews for the fall season. Here’s the complete list.
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As the 2023 football season approaches for Republic, coach Ryan Cornelsen and his players are in an unusual position — people are actually paying attention to them. Their turnaround record last year, 8-4, has caught the attention of football observers for the first time in years. Instead of being chosen in the bottom half of the Central Ozark Conference, sportswriters and coaches expect Republic to contend for a COC championship. And with lots of experienced playmakers back on both sides of the ball, that’s the expectation of the Tigers themselves, too.
After two years in Republic, Cornelsen believes the team has a better understanding of his system, leading to increased efficiency during practice. The familiarity he has gained with the players’ strengths and weaknesses has also made him and his assistants more effective, as they adjust their coaching styles to match the unique motivations of each player.
The Tigers’ 2022 success has set high expectations for the program. The goal, Cornelsen said, is not just to continue achieving but to cultivate a consistent, stable program characterized by strong attendance, accountability, and an active off-season.
“When you have that (success), I think there’s no doubt you want more of it,” he said. “So I think the expectation is similar. We want (players) to think we can win every game now.”
Those extra expectations may put more pressure on players and coaches, but that’s not a bad thing, according to Cornelsen.
“There’s always pressure. That’s what makes it exciting. That’s what gets you up in the morning, gets you fired up and going.”
Offensively, the Tigers will continue to tailor their plan to each opponent and each situation. Whether they throw or run, an experienced offensive line, led by three-year starter Carter Nation, will be pivotal to making everything work. Mason Mitchell, Myles Lozano, Auston Key and other contributors join Nation this year.
“Having three good offensive linemen who are seniors and who played a whole year and went through all those struggles of their first year, that probably — as much as Wyatt being back — has allowed us offensively to move forward fairly quickly,” Cornelsen said.
Nation said communication, both in practices and in games, is crucial for coordination. “We ask each other questions all the time. We ask coach Uhl and Coach Cornelsen questions… We’ve done more scheming this year than we ever have, just really hammering home all the plays we have.”
Woods will be in his second season as a starter at quarterback, and that experience will be another crucial factor in the team’s ability to move the ball in a lot of different ways.
“His confidence is high. I think he knows his reads, he understands the offense (and) understands what we’re looking for, and that’s huge,” Cornelsen said.
Woods agrees he’s much more comfortable than a year ago.
“Last year at this time, I’d never taken a varsity snap in a game. Now I feel way more experienced and feel a lot more confidence in myself going into the season,” Woods said.
Cornelsen is also optimistic about Caide White’s shift from safety to running back. Based on White’s offensive play two seasons ago, Cornelsen thought all along he might return to the offense after a year as a defensive back.
“We really felt like he was good with the ball in his hands, so there was always in the back of my mind the thought that probably his senior year, he’s going to come back to offense.”
The Tigers are also high on James Rexroat, who gives Woods a big target with good pass-catching ability wherever he lines up. Cornelsen and the coaching staff are cooking up plans to utilize Rexroat’s adaptability in different roles in the coming season.
“His ability to go and catch the ball is really good. I think that’s what colleges have seen,” Cornelsen said. “He’s a big, physical body and he’s got to get where he can block off the edge and do some stuff at tight end. You’ll see him in a lot of different roles. “
Kanon Krol continues in his job as fullback, and Cornelsen appreciates the punishment he takes.
“That fullback, when you run triple (option) from under (quarterback), it’s a thankless job. You’re either getting the ball or you’re a decoy and you’re getting hit. So either way you’re getting smoked,” Cornelsen said.
“I like hitting, too,” said Krol. “I like being physical, so you take something, you give something, and it’s all good.”
Daniel Phillips and Mason Fleetwood will see time at slot back, giving Woods more options to open up the middle. Michael Worthy and Cannon Ellison are among the other players who have a chance to contribute offensively.
With all those offensive options at his disposal, Woods said teamwork and trust will be an important factor in success. The key is “being confident in my guys, knowing they’re going to do their jobs. There’s so many moving parts, everyone has to be on their game and do their job for us to be successful,” Woods said.
Defensively, the Tigers rely heavily on Kendell Curbow and Cole Gimlin. Despite their smaller size, they’re recognized by Cornelsen for their consistent, hard-hitting play.
“They’re probably 135, 155 dripping wet, both of them. But they make play after play, and they’re physical. We’ve got to design our defense around them because they’re such good players and try to put them in situations where their size isn’t an issue.”
Caden White, who missed last year with an injury, is a potentially big-impact player up front. Zion Allen, having played both cornerback and safety in the past, will anchor the defensive backfield. Cam Allen and Logan Hunt are also expected to contribute significantly. Evan Buchanan has made significant strides over the off-season through hard work, according to Cornelsen.
Special teams continue to be a focus for the Tigers. Mason Cole will join the Tigers when his soccer duties don’t keep him away on game nights. His impressive showing at a summer kicking camp raised expectations for him.
Cornelsen’s goals include a district championship and playoff run. He also knows the Tigers will compete for a conference championship. The ultimate goal for the program remains a state title, but Cornelsen told his players that’s premature until they prove they can move beyond district play — something he hopes they can accomplish this year after a loss in the district title game last season.
The coaching staff, in Cornelsen’s view, stands out for its hard work and commitment to learning and teaching. The inclusion of junior high and youth programs during this summer’s programming lengthened their days, and Cornelsen said he got no push-back from the coaches, who frequently spent all day at the school.
The Tigers will face a test from the opening kickoff, facing Carthage, the team that knocked them out of the playoffs last year. Their home opener is scheduled for August 25.
“Every year is a new group and it’s a new puzzle, and you’re trying to figure out how to put that piece of the puzzle together. I just look forward to seeing what their story is,” Cornelsen said.