Republic came into the 2nd round District contest with one thing on their minds: to win the game they had to control the clock on offense and keep the Webb City offense off the field. The plan started out well as they received the opening Kick-Off and started on offense. On the 1st play, Logan Williams made a great play, stripping and intercepting a pass and John Roderique gave his Head Coach and Father the best birthday present by rushing 30 yards on the ensuing play for a touchdown. Happy Birthday Coach Roderique! Less than a minute into the game, Webb City 7-Republic 0.
The Webb City Defense did their part in keeping Republic's offense off the field and intercepted 5 Republic passes. Nate Brown made a spectacular, one handed grab to stop what appeared to be a Republic TD as the receiver had made it past him. Fellow Seniors, Dalton Humphrey and Todd Fowler along with Soph Kiante Hardin all made great plays giving the ball back to the Webb City Offense. The defense held Republic to just 6 1st downs, 29 yards rushing and 133 yards passing.
The offense didn't start fast, but they really finished strong. 24 1st downs and a whopping 370 yards rushing. Not much was needed through the air, but Roderique was 8-15 for 111 yards when they needed to make the big play. Kohl Slaughter had 3 catches for 55 yards and a 30 yard TD grab. Cooper Smith led all rushers with 14 carries for 108 yards and a TD. Phoenix Johnson had 13 carries for 84 yards and had 2 TD's rushing and also caught a TD pass. In the 2nd half, Sophomore Tyler Davison showed a sign of things to come with 8 rushes for 53 tough yards and Logan Cloyd found the end zone again for the final points of the night.
This Monday night at 7pm, the Hillcrest Hornets will come to Cardinal Stadium for the District Championship. Hillcrest, despite being without #1 recruit Dorial Green-Beckham, who took his football talent to MIZZOU, earned a 10-1 record and shared Central Ozark Conference champs with Lebanon. Coach Roderique said this team reminds him of the good Carthage teams faced in the past. Good speed on offense and good discipline on Defense. Tickets are being pre-sold at SMB and Mid-Mo Bank, Webb City HS and the Central Office, and, of course, sold at the game.