It's safe to say the Webb City Cardinals had plenty of extra motivation ahead of their Week 3 matchup with the Republic Tigers.
Of course, Webb City's 2022 season ended with a disappointing loss to Republic in the district semifinals in what was the Tigers' first-ever win over the Cardinals.
In a rematch of last year's postseason contest, the Cardinals made a statement.
Taking control early, Webb City pounded Republic 42-21 on Friday night in a Central Ozark Conference clash between state-ranked squads at Tiger Stadium.
In a game they never trailed, Webb City led 21-7 at the end of the first quarter, 28-14 at the half and 35-14 by the end of the third period.
Ranked fourth in Class 5, Webb City improved to 2-1. Ranked sixth in the Class 5, Republic fell to 2-1.
The fired-up Cardinals took control of this one early.
After recovering a Republic fumble on the first series of the night, Webb City needed just two plays to score after the takeaway, as senior running back Omari Jackson sprinted into the end zone from 11-yards out.
Next, the Cardinals partially blocked a Republic punt near the end zone, setting up the visitors with great field position. On the next play, Webb City took a 14-0 lead with 7:48 left in the opening quarter on senior running back Breckin Galardo's 4-yard plunge.
Republic got on the board after taking advantage of a Webb City fumble, as Zion Allen's 35-yard scoop and score cut the hosts' deficit in half.
The Cardinals responded, as Galardo's 41-yard touchdown run gave Webb City a 21-7 lead.
An 11-yard touchdown pass from Wyatt Woods to James Rexroat cut Webb City's lead to 21-14 at the 6:49 mark of the second quarter, but Galardo's third TD of the night, this time a 4-yard scamper extended Webb City's lead to 28-14. The score was set up by Joseph DeGraffenreid's 74-yard kick return.
After intermission, sophomore Gabe Johnson's 6-yard QB keeper finished off a seven-play, 63-yard drive and gave the Cardinals a 35-14 cushion.
Andrew Elwell's 4-yard plunge with 7:16 left, along with Alex Dunne's PAT kick, extended Webb City's advantage to 42-14.
Republic's Caide White ran for a 58-yard touchdown with 6:25 left for the final margin.
Webb City finished with 306 yards of total offense, with 257 on the ground and 49 through the air.
Johnson ran 13 times for 86 yards and also caught two passes for 42 yards. Galardo ran nine times for 76 yards and three touchdowns before leaving with an apparent injury.
Dunne converted all six of his PAT kicks.
Republic had 194 yards, 183 rushing and 11 passing. The Tigers had five turnovers (four fumbles, one interception) to Webb City's one.
The Cardinals are now 18-0 all-time against the Tigers in regular-season games.