454
The number of rushing yards accumulated by Republic in their district opener against Springfield Central. The Tigers’ ground attack was diverse, with eight different players contributing 30+ yards: Matthew Pelfrey (109 yards), Trenten Coleman (74), James Richmond (69), Owen Klier (48), Treyton Gray (33), Greg Hicks (32), and Nolan Lashley (35). The balanced rushing performance helped Republic secure a dominant 60-7 victory.
2
The number of touchdowns Republic scored before Springfield Central ran its first offensive play. The Tigers recovered fumbles on consecutive kickoffs to start the game, converting both into quick scores. Gavin Lawhon and Greg Hicks each recovered a fumble, setting up touchdown runs by Matthew Pelfrey and Owen Klier that gave Republic a commanding 14-0 lead before Central’s offense took the field.
11-1
The combined record of Republic’s middle school football teams this fall. The 8th grade team completed an undefeated season while allowing just 52 points – about eight points per game. The 7th grade squad showed resilience by winning five straight games after an opening loss to Webb City.
19:24.47
Gracie Troester’s time in the Class 5 District 2 cross country meet, good for sixth place overall and her fourth consecutive state qualification. What makes the achievement more impressive is that this was only Troester’s third race of the season due to injury – she’s been battling patellar tendinitis in her knee.
52
The total points allowed by the 8th grade football team during its undefeated season – averaging just over 8 points per game. The stingy defense, which held opponents to 68 rushing yards and 75 passing yards per game, was a cornerstone of their success. The unit came up big in a 10-6 win over Waynesville, getting a defensive safety late in the game before driving for the winning touchdown.
68
The number of top-level bands Republic’s Tiger Pride marching band competed against at the Bands of America Super Regional in St. Louis. In their first appearance at the prestigious event, Republic placed in the top two-thirds of the field, going up against powerhouse programs from at least five states, including Texas and Oklahoma. The competition marked a significant step up in both scale and judging standards compared to typical smaller band festivals, with Republic turning in its best performance of the season.
20:33.99
Catherine Wilson’s time at districts, securing the 29th spot for the state cross country meet. The sophomore found herself in a dramatic battle for the last qualifying positions down the stretch. “All I could hear was places being yelled at me, and I knew I was right at the cutoff,” Wilson said after earning her first state meet berth – an achievement she admitted she “would have never guessed” possible at the season’s start.
