Republic hosts Kickapoo Friday in the first football meeting between the schools. The game comes after Kickapoo’s milestone win over Webb City last week, the first victory by an Ozark Conference team against a Central Ozark Conference opponent since the leagues merged.
Republic coach Ryan Cornelsen said Kickapoo has adapted to its new conference.
“The first two games for Kickapoo, (it) was quite a bit tougher competition or a faster pace than probably they were used to seeing early in the year in their old league,” Cornelsen said. “That never felt like they really caught up to the speed… Then against Webb, they did.”
Cornelsen noted Kickapoo’s successful running game against Webb City.
“They moved the ball on the ground. I know they like to throw it, but they moved it on Webb right through them, right in the middle,” he said. “My three years here, I’m not sure I’ve seen many teams do that to Webb.”
Kickapoo’s offense features a talented quarterback, athletic running back, and fast receivers, according to Cornelsen. He expects Kickapoo’s defense to focus on stopping Republic’s run game, similar to their approach against Kickapoo.
“Most teams do that to us anyway,” he said. “Our kids, it’s not like that’s new to them. Everybody does that to us.”
Republic enters the game after a 35-0 win over Ozark. Cornelsen emphasized the need to move the chains consistently and eliminate penalties.
The first-time matchup against Class 6 Kickapoo adds an element of playoff-like preparation.
“It does feel different,” Cornelsen said. “It’s exciting to me in the fact that there’s no chance of us seeing them again in districts or down the road. I like the thought of playing a team once and not having to go back and play them again.”
Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at Republic High School. Homecoming festivities will begin around 6:35. We’ll start the Hines Street Pharmacy Pregame Show around 6:30.