Republic opens its season Friday against a Nixa squad that reached the Class 6 state championship game last year and added elite talent through transfers. The Eagles fell to DeSmet in the title game but return quarterback Adam McKnight and welcome DeSmet’s Jayden McCaster, one of Missouri’s top running backs.
The Tigers face the challenge with more experience than a year ago, when Nixa rolled to a 49-14 victory in the season opener. Republic’s inexperienced offense managed 278 total yards but killed drives with penalties and turnovers.
“It’s a tall task to play one of the state’s best teams week one,” coach Ryan Cornelsen said. “We’re excited for the challenge. We don’t back down from the challenge.”
Republic brings back senior quarterback Preston McCracken, who grew into his role as the season progressed. McCracken engineered the Tigers’ run to the state quarterfinals, where they fell only a few plays short of the semis.
“I’m a lot more confident in every single practice,” McCracken said. “Last year there was a little bit of doubt.”
That confidence stems from experience with Cornelsen’s system and the benefit of working behind an offensive line anchored by seniors Chance Gimlin and Landon Harper. Both have played since their sophomore seasons.
“Gimlin and Harper know the offense as well as I do,” Cornelsen said. “They can make adjustments on their own.”
The backfield features seniors Izaiah Hull and Matthew Pelfrey at fullback, with senior Owen Klier returning at tailback after gaining varsity experience last season. Depth comes from seniors Jin Villasica and Treyton Gray, plus junior Tucker Ladd.
Republic’s defense centers around senior linebacker Kaleb Norman, who serves as the unit’s “quarterback.” Norman makes calls and ensures proper alignment for a group that must limit Nixa’s explosive plays.
“Kaleb Norman is just a big part of not just his position, but making us fit everywhere,” Cornelsen said.
Norman has grown into the role since his sophomore season. “The game’s slowed down a lot for me,” Norman said. “I understand coach’s defenses better. It allows me to play faster and help my teammates.”
The secondary features seniors Keiran Govan and Gavin Lawhon at safety, both bringing size and football intelligence. Senior Jackson Taylor returns at cornerback, while junior Alex Johnson provides speed after returning from injury.
“Those two safeties are probably as good as we’ve had,” Cornelsen said of Govan and Lawhon.
Nixa enters with multiple weapons beyond McKnight and McCaster. The Eagles added one of Kansas’s top receivers through transfer and return the nation’s No. 1-ranked lineman in Jackson Cantwell.
“They have several weapons at several spots,” Cornelsen said. “You can’t isolate on one guy.”
Republic’s path to victory requires cleaning up the mistakes that plagued last year’s meeting. The Tigers committed costly penalties and turnovers that disrupted their ball-control approach.
“You’re not going to beat good teams and lose the turnover and penalty battle,” Cornelsen said. “Those are in your control.”
The Tigers converted 64 percent of their fourth-down attempts last season, but fell behind early against Nixa and couldn’t employ their aggressive style.
“This year we’ve got guys who have been down this road and understand what it takes,” Cornelsen said. “You’re a little more confident going in.”
Norman believes the defense will surprise people after losing two starters on the defensive line. “I think our D-line’s really going to step up and make some big plays,” he said.
The memory of last season’s quarterfinal exit fuels the Tigers’ preparation.
“It’s been driving us every single practice, every single rep,” McCracken said. “Make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
Republic opens the season at 7 p.m. Friday at home. We’ll have live coverage on the Republic Tiger Sports YouTube channel starting with the Hines Street Pharmacy Pregame Show around 6:40.
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