By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
You would have to go back more than a decade to find the last time Republic Football had an eight-win season.
In two years, Ryan Cornelsen won more games than the Tigers had in five seasons from 2016 to 2020 combined.
While there’s been a noticeable change in Republic’s offensive output, Cornelsen believes the rapid turnaround is a testament to the class of 2023.
“Those seniors had a large number of good kids and good football players in it,” said Cornelsen. “That group believed in our system, played together, and most importantly found ways to win some big games. That experience of playing at a high level to beat good football teams is something our program needed and we’re trying to make a standard.”
Republic returns just eight starters from last year’s team that finished 8-3 before falling to Carthage in the district championship game.
Senior standout Wyatt Woods will look to help lead the Tigers to another deep playoff run. Woods was an All-COC selection as a junior, passing for 1,046 yards and 15 touchdowns while adding another 936 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground.
“Wyatt is a hard worker, and leads by example,” said Cornelsen. “This spring he was also an all-state catcher for our baseball team. Through his hard work he has improved his strength, speed and lateral movement. He is confident in our system and now has a year of running the offense as a quarterback, as a sophomore he played safety for us. He is a dual threat quarterback, and capable of utilizing either run or pass on any given play. His throwing velocity and his efficiency with reads has improved this summer through hard work and experience.”
Fellow seniors Kanon Krol and Caide White will join Woods in the backfield. Krol rushed for 483 yards and 11 touchdowns as a junior. White was a standout at safety.
Senior James Rexroat (6-4, 225) is one of Missouri’s top receivers and big-play threats after totaling 604 yards and nine touchdowns on just 25 receptions.
He’ll be a Division I player after committing to Memphis during the summer.
“James is a very gifted athlete with size and speed,” said Cornelsen. “His ability to high point footballs and make tough catches in tight windows is a huge key to his success. We will try to utilize him in multiple roles on the offensive side of the ball.”
The strength for Republic might be upfront, where three Tigers return after seeing significant reps in 2022, led by All-COC pick Carter Nation (5-10, 210) along with classmates Mason Mitchell (6-4, 255) and Myles Lozano (6-4, 235).
They helped pave the way for the Tigers to average more than six yards per carry last year.
“Carter has been our offensive line leader for the past two seasons,” said Nation. “He understands our schemes as well as I do. He plays tough with great leverage, and his motor is always running.”
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Seniors Cole Gimlin and Kendell Curbow will be the heart of Republic’s defense and linebacking corps. Gimlin was an All-COC selection after leading the team with four sacks and totaling 11 tackles for loss. Curbow finished with a team-high 101 tackles.
“Cole and Kendall are both undersized but play extremely fast with a relentless effort to make a play,” said Cornelsen. “Both are extremely tough kids with no fear.”
Cornelsen is also excited about several players that will see increased roles this season.
Senior Caden White (6-4, 245) and junior Logan Hunt (6-2, 240) will both look to make an impact along the defensive line. White missed the entire 2022 season due to injury while Hunt came on strong at the end of the season after seeing more action late.
Senior Evan Buchanan and junior Cameron Allen will see action in the back half of Republic’s retooled defense.
Daniel Phillips – another senior – is someone that could see a major role offensively as a change-of-pace back.
“Daniel played a huge role for us on special teams and started getting more playing time as the season went on last year,” said Cornelsen. “He is a quick running back that we hope can step in and make an impact for us.”
Republic’s season could hinge on how quickly new faces get acclimated to new roles on Friday nights.
But there’s no denying how talented the Tigers are. They’ll again be a threat for conference and district titles.
“The conference is loaded again, every game is tough, and I think most teams in the COC have a chance to be really good in 2023,” said Cornelsen. “Like all teams we will need to stay healthy, have a balanced attack offensively, and improve throughout the season with a tough schedule. We will also need to fill a large number of spots we lost to graduation.”
Republic will host Carthage on Aug. 25 to open the 2023 regular season.
