Republic’s football team struggled in its season opener, falling to Nixa 49-14 on the road Friday night.
Nixa’s offense amassed 408 total yards, including 313 on the ground. Quarterback Adam McKnight completed four of five passes for 95 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 100 yards on just three carries. Dylan Rebura led Nixa’s ground attack with 132 yards and three touchdowns on 14 carries.
The Eagles scored on every possession in the first half, building a 35-7 lead by halftime. They extended their advantage to 49-7 in the third quarter before Republic added a late touchdown.
Republic’s offense showed flashes of potential, accumulating 278 total yards, with 249 coming on the ground. Preston McCracken led the Tigers with 98 yards rushing on 13 carries, while also completing three of eight passes for 29 yards. Mason Fleetwood contributed 69 yards on seven carries, and Izaiah Hull scored both of Republic’s touchdowns, finishing with 33 yards on eight carries. Owen Klier rushed 12 times for 37 yards, and Matthew Pelfrey carried the ball five times for 12 yards.
After falling behind 14-0 in the first quarter, Republic mounted a nine-play, 75-yard drive, capped by Hull’s two-yard touchdown run. The Tigers’ final score came on a 14-play, 73-yard drive in the third quarter, ending with Hull’s one-yard plunge.
Republic coach Ryan Cornelsen knew his young team would have its hands full against a strong Nixa team.
“I knew it was a tall task to ask us to play one of the better teams, game one, with that much inexperience,” Cornelsen said. “It’s not an excuse. It’s embarrassing. Losing is never acceptable, but that was a tall task to try to do that with those guys.”
Cornelsen noted some positives despite the loss. “Early in the first quarter, we got in the red zone some. I feel like there was some good offensively,” he said. “Defensively, I thought we didn’t play very well. Offensively… there were some spots where I thought we got a chance.”
Cornelsen remains optimistic about the team’s potential for improvement. He points to similar lopsided losses against Webb City last year and Carthage the previous year.
“This isn’t our first butt kicking. We’ve had them here before,” Cornelsen said. “What you do after that and how much you’re willing to come to practice and work to get better says who we are.”
The Tigers will look to rebound Friday in their home opener against Waynesville.
