Republic dominated from the start in a 54-27 district semifinal win over Hillcrest Friday night, scoring six first-half touchdowns to advance to next week’s championship game at Branson.
In addition to picking up the win, Republic accomplished another of Cornelsen’s goals: getting back into an offensive rhythm after several weeks with injuries at key positions.
The Tigers (9-2) scored on their first three possessions to build a 21-0 lead in the first quarter. Quarterback Preston McCracken scored twice on runs of 7 and 19 yards before connecting with Cannon Ellison on a 47-yard pass to make the score 21-0.
Republic extended its lead to 41-0 in the second quarter, adding three more scores. Mason Fleetwood ran for a 2-yard touchdown, Izaiah Hull scored from 1 yard out, and Matthew Pelfrey capped the first-half scoring with another 1-yard run, set up by Trenten Coleman’s 51-yard reception.
“I felt like we were able to run some of our stuff there that first half,” said coach Ryan Cornelsen. “We ran a few options. Preston hadn’t done (that) in a while, so it was nice for him to get to do that, and our offense to block some of that again, (and to) be able to throw the ball.”
Hillcrest (2-9) scored its first touchdown with three seconds remaining in the first half on a pass from Aiden Myers to Ethan Weaver. The Hornets added two more scores in the second half, but Republic maintained control with touchdowns by Hull and Greg Hicks.
Cornelsen said the defense executed its game plan, too, despite giving up a few big plays after the outcome was decided.
“When they run that many empty sets, there’s a lot of match-ups, and they’re motioning and (we’re) trying to keep track of all that,” he said. “(Hillcrest) Coach Ganz has a good little scheme there. We missed a screen early, lost our guy there, and then the other time they just made plays and found ways to score on us there late — but overall I thought the defense did a good job.”
Mason Fleetwood led Republic’s rushing attack with 107 rushing and a touchdown yards on eight carries. Izaiah Hull had 14 carries for 90 yards and a TD. Owen Klier rushed for 46 yards on seven carries. Matthew Pelfrey had three rushes for 16 yards and a touchdown. Preston McCracken had four carries for 27 yards and two TDs, and he also completed two passes for 98 yards. Ellison caught a touchdown pass of 47 yards, and Trenten Coleman had a 51-yard reception.
Republic will face Branson on the road for the district championship next week.
