REPUBLIC, Mo. — An early turnover was the start of a rough night for the Carl Junction Bulldogs Friday night as they fell to the Republic Tigers 37-3.
Republic (4-3) was able to get a field goal after the turnover to take a 3-0 lead. The Bulldog (3-4) offense was unable to get anything going on their following drive as they punted from around midfield.
Senior quarterback Avery Moody then led a six-play touchdown drive that he capped with a 37-yard swing pass touchdown to junior Gunner Ellison. The touchdown gave Republic a 10-0 lead.
The Bulldogs’ next drive gave them a bit of life. A flea flicker pass from junior quarterback Nathan Planchon put Carl Junction at the Republic 31-yard line, but that was where the Bulldog drive stalled. Carl Junction settled for a 35-yard field goal from junior kicker Xavier Perkins. Republic led 10-3.
Republic decided they were going to keep it on the ground for the majority of the rest of the night. The Tigers ran 12 straight rushing plays as they drove 68 yards. Moody capped the drive with a 5-yard touchdown dive to put Republic up 16-3.
The Bulldogs went three-and-out the following drive, but Republic kept their foot on the gas. The Tigers scored on a Moody 50-yard touchdown scamper to extend their lead to 23-3.
Carl Junction was unable to build any momentum the following drive as the first half was winding down. Bulldog sophomore Kyler Stewart intercepted a Tiger pass with 42 seconds left in the half. The Bulldogs drove down to the 8-yard line but threw an incomplete pass that ended the half without any points.
Carl Junction was unable to get anything going offensively in the second half either. Midway through the third quarter, the Bulldogs had 12 carries for only 16 yards.
Moody continued to dominate the game rushing for two more touchdowns (39-yard run and 1-yard) in the second half.
Carl Junction has another tall task next week as they host Nixa. Republic will travel to COC leading Carthage who remained undefeated after beating Joplin.
