A late turnover doomed a potential game-winning drive, and the Webb City Cardinals saw the 2023 season end in heartbreaking fashion.
Republic made more winning plays late in the game and the Tigers defeated Webb City 21-20 in a Class 5 semifinal on Saturday afternoon at Tiger Stadium.
The Tigers will play for a state football championship for the first time in school history.
Republic (12-2) will meet Cardinal Ritter (13-0) in the state championship game at 7 p.m. on Friday at Faurot Field in Columbia.
In Ryan McFarland's first season at the helm, Webb City concludes the '23 campaign with a record of 10-3.
The Cardinals won the regular season matchup with the Tigers in convincing fashion, 42-21, at Cardinal Stadium. But the stakes were much higher in the rematch between Central Ozark Conference foes.
Republic's opening series ate up nearly 11 minutes of the first quarter and a 19-play scoring drive was capped by a 1-yard touchdown run by senior quarterback Wyatt Woods.
Webb City responded immediately, as the Cardinals scored on their first play from scrimmage when sophomore quarterback Gabe Johnson connected with junior Jackson Lucas on a 45-yard touchdown strike. However, the PAT kick was off the mark, keeping the Tigers in front 7-6.
The Cardinals took a 12-7 lead with 7:17 remaining in the second quarter on senior running back Omari Jackson's 4-yard touchdown plunge. In another missed opportunity, the 2-point conversion failed.
The Tigers went up 14-12 after Woods completed a 63-yard touchdown pass to senior James Rexroat with 4:27 left in the first half, and Mason Cole converted his second PAT kick.
Webb City had another missed opportunity late in the first half, as a penalty cost the visitors a first down on a potential go-ahead drive that ultimately ended with a punt.
After the break, Webb City needed just four plays to go back in front, as the speedy Johnson sprinted past the Republic defense for a 43-yard touchdown on a QB keeper. Johnson ran in the 2-point conversion, giving the Cardinals a 20-14 lead at the 10:27 mark of the third quarter.
But Republic took a 21-20 lead into the fourth quarter after Woods passed to Caide White for a 9-yard touchdown on the final play of the third period.
Next, the Tigers recovered the ensuing onside kick at the start of the final frame.
A few plays later, though, Webb City's Aaron Bell fell on a Republic fumble. But the visitors were unable to take advantage of the takeaway.
Webb City was driving late in the game, but an interception by Republic's Kaleb Norman on the 17-yard line with just 2:45 remaining sealed the win for the Tigers, who were able to run out the clock after the takeaway.
NAMES & NUMBERS
Webb City recorded 281 yards of total offense on 33 plays, with 202 rushing yards and 79 passing yards.
Johnson rushed for 159 yards on 15 carries. He completed 2 of 5 passes for 79 yards.
The Cardinals recorded 12 first downs to Republic's 17.
In the semifinals for the first time since 1986, Republic compiled 285 yards on 57 plays, with 195 on the ground and 90 through the air.
Woods ran 26 times for 130 yards and also completed 4 of 7 passes for 90 yards and two scores.
The Tigers had nearly 32 minutes of time of possession to Webb City's 16.
Webb City had five penalties to Republic's two.
ON THE ROAD AGAIN
It was Webb City's first road semifinal since 2015, when the Cardinals traveled to Cape Central.
The program's last five semifinal matchups were all at Cardinal Stadium, as Webb City hosted Jackson in 2021, Platte County in '20, Ladue in '19 and '18 and Platte County in '17.
Saturday was Webb City's 28th semifinal appearance overall.