Republic has played Carthage twice in the same season three times before, and every time, the second game ended Republic’s season. This year, for the first time, Republic goes into the rematch with a win in the first game.
The two teams meet in the district semifinal Friday night at 7 at Republic. The Tigers are 8-1 and the top seed in Class 5 District 6. Carthage is 7-3 and the fourth seed. Republic is ranked No. 2 in Class 5 and Carthage is No. 8. The winner plays Neosho or Branson next week for the district championship.
Republic won the first meeting 26-22 on Oct. 16, on the strength of Alex Johnson’s 95-yard kickoff return right after Carthage had taken the lead with 8:19 left. Carthage went 0-for-3 on fourth down that night, and the last one was an incomplete pass from the Republic 10 with 3:25 to play. Three of the last five meetings between the two teams have been decided by six points or fewer…