Republic hosts Carthage Friday in a game that could go a long way toward determining the Central Ozark Conference West division title. Both teams are 5-1 overall and undefeated in COC West play.
Republic comes off a last-minute win over Webb City. Carthage presents another tough challenge, according to Republic coach Ryan Cornelsen.
“They’re really good again. Lat year, I’m not sure they graduated anybody,” Cornelsen said. “Obviously their running back (Landon Collins) is one of the best in the conference. And he’s tough to bring down. They’re massive up front.”
Cornelsen said Carthage’s offense poses multiple challenges.
“There’s a lot of counter. There’s a lot of pulls. There’s a lot of misdirection,” he said. “It makes it tough when they’re that massive up front and (they’ve) got the good back. And the quarterback (Brady Carlton) runs the ball well and throws it.”
Cornelsen compares Carthage’s offensive scheme to Republic’s own style. “It’s very similar to our offense if we did it all out of the gun,” he said. “To me… it is a wing-T-style offense, just out of the gun. And so…if somebody misses assignments, you’ll pay.”
Republic will be without starting quarterback Preston McCracken, who was injured last week. Sophomore Trenten Coleman is expected to start.
“He’s taken reps all year… whether we add stuff or take stuff away, however we do it that week, he takes those same reps and makes sure that he’s ready to go,” Cornelsen said.
Coleman stepped in during the Webb City game when McCracken was injured. Cornelsen praised the sophomore’s performance and preparedness.
“Our script didn’t change. He was able to handle even the reverse to Cannon (Ellison). It’s not something he reps a whole lot. But he was out there and made a good block for us and executed the play,” Cornelsen said.
Cornelsen emphasized the importance of finishing drives this week on offense, after a sub-par performance in that area last Friday.
“We’ve got to be able to move the chains,” he said. “And then unlike last week, when we do move the chains, we’ve got to find ways into the end zone.”
On defense, Republic faces the challenge of containing Carthage’s complex offensive scheme.
“You’ve got to be really disciplined in your assignment against Carthage,” Cornelsen said. “There’s been years that we’ve struggled with it.”
Kickoff is set for 7 pm, with senior night starting around 6:25.