Two dominant signal callers in Preston Mccracken and Cade Spiva are getting ready to go toe-to-toe. A feisty cat fight will be fought when Tigers challenges the Neosho Wildcats at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Republic is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 30.1 points per game this season.
Republic is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of Missouri's top teams: Carthage, who was ranked 15th in their home state at the time (Republic was ranked 24th). Republic took a hard 31-14 fall against Carthage on Friday. That makes it the first time this season Republic has let down their home crowd.
Despite the loss, Republic had strong showings from Trenten Coleman, who threw for 28 yards and two touchdowns, and Cannon Ellison, who picked up 24 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Meanwhile, a victory for Neosho just wasn't in the cards on Friday as the team wasn't able to take the lead at any point. They came up short against Joplin, falling 35-14. The matchup marked the Wildcats' lowest-scoring match so far this season.
Neosho's defeat shouldn't obscure the performances of Denver Welch, who rushed for 110 yards and a touchdown, and Noah Soriano, who picked up 52 receiving yards.
Neosho didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Hudson Williams and Bostyn Patterson.
Republic's loss ended a five-game streak of wins at home dating back to last season and dropped them to 5-2. As for Neosho, their defeat dropped their record down to an identical 5-2.
Friday's contest might be decided in the on the ground. Republic has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 319.9 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Neosho struggles in that department as they've been averaging 244.9. It's looking like Friday's game might have some serious battles in the trenches.
Everything came up roses for Republic against Neosho when the teams last played back in September of 2023, as the squad secured a 56-21 win. One of the biggest obstacles the team faced in that game was Welch, who picked up 88 receiving yards and two touchdowns, and also rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown. Now that he's got a second chance to win this matchup, will Republic still be able to contain Welch? There's only one way to find out.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
