Take nothing away from the running backs in Republic’s 55-33 victory over Ozark on Friday, but they were running through massive holes in the Ozark defense.
Blake Luna at center, Chance Gimlin and Landon Harper on the right side, and Avien Ferguson and Raleigh Verstraete on the left, with Braxton Lundberg and Aiden Schaefer at tight end, dominated the line of scrimmage from the first drive of the night.
The result was a 400-yard rushing night for the Tigers, with Owen Klier turning in a career-best 144-yard night, and Preston McCracken adding 131 yards rushing. Izaiah Hull rushed for 61 yards, Matthew Pelfrey had two touchdowns and 40 yards, and Jin Villasica contributed 14 yards on three carries.
Overall, it was the best all-around offensive effort of the young season, and the work of the offensive line is our Performance of the Week.
Get every story delivered.
Tiger Wire — Republic sports news, free every morning.