Tigers run the field with Republic

ODESSA-It was Tigers vs. Tigers during homecoming weekend, with Odessa winning against Republic 58-28 on Friday, Oct.14.

Within the first minute of the first quarter, the Tigers scored two touchdowns with two successful 2-point conversions.

Odessa scored 40 points in the first quarter, which started a running clock.

Senior Gage Starkel had three carries for 74 yards and two receptions for 83 yards.

Senior Collin Martin completed three passes with a total of 113 yards.

Martin had one solo tackle and two assists.

Sophomore Corbyn Neilsen had one carry for 35 rushing yards, earning a touchdown, three solo tackles and four assists.

Junior Dakota Steward had two receptions for 42 yards and fellow junior Zane McMillian had one carry for 25 yards.

Republic came back on the scoreboard halfway through the second quarter with Junior Taden Hazenberg running through the end zone.

Hazenberg had three receptions for 103 yards.

Odessa removed their starters at the beginning of the third quarter to give Republic a break.

Sophomore Sean DeVore completed three passes for 59 yards.

Coach Jeff Nelson said the team has been playing well for the season.

"I am confident with how our season has gone," Nelson said. "We've been playing well, and the kids are having fun."

Odessa will have more competition as they move ever closer to cross-over games.

"Some good teams are coming during these crossover games," Nelson said.

Odessa is ranked first in the NE1B and state with a 5-0 record.

The Tigers face Almira-Coulee-Hartline for Senior Night on Saturday, Oct. 22 at 1 p.m.