Nixa football earns 'statement win' over Carthage in season opener

NIXA — Week 1 featured a highly touted high school football game in Southwest Missouri. Nixa left little doubt that the Eagles remain the region's top program on Friday, Aug. 28.

Nixa defeated Carthage 42-13 in dominant fashion. The clash featured Class 6 Nixa and Class 5 Carthage, both last season's state runners-up.

“It was definitely a statement win in my books,” Nixa running back Jax Adams said. “They are a good team."

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Adams stole the show with his quick feet and powerful interior rush game. He scored three touchdowns in the win. His 70-yard scamper in the first quarter showcased all facets of his game.

Adams took an inside hand-off and broke it outside thanks to great blocking from Nixa’s offensive line. With the defense flowing the opposite direction, Adams was gone, showcasing his track speed.

“I love running the football, I love being physical,” Adams said. “I got some grit to me. I love working hard and I love running over people, that’s what I do.”

Adams’ second touchdown came halfway through the second quarter. He juked out two Carthage defenders before making his way into the end zone from 23 yards away.

The senior’s hat trick featured two broken tackles and a 30-yard rushing score inside the first few minutes of the second half.

“I’m so happy for him,” Nixa quarterback Adam McKnight said. “He’s worked unbelievably hard. Nobody knows how hard that kid has worked and it showed tonight.”

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McKnight opened the scoring for Nixa with a read-option rushing touchdown from 13 yards out. He broke one tackle before colliding with a Carthage defender and falling into the end zone.

The Missouri State commit scored his second rushing touchdown later in the first half via a short rush. McKnight’s fearlessness in the rushing game and willingness to take contact were necessary for the Eagles to score points and keep drives alive.

“I love it,” McKnight said. “I like a little contact. I’m not scared of it.”

McKnight tossed one touchdown and it was a beauty. He found junior wide receiver Carter Mabe on a fade route in the back of the end zone. It was a great catch from Mabe that was defended very well by the Tigers' secondary.

“He (Mabe) had an awesome night, too,” McKnight said. “We are putting in reps and everybody is on the same page. It’s just fun football when everybody is on the same page.”

The offense stole the show, but Nixa’s defense set the tone. Carthage could barely move the ball, especially in the first half. The opening two drives were stuffed consistently thanks to the Eagles’ stout front. Carthage star running back Landon West struggled to find open space. Nixa’s ability to tackle in open space was key in the victory, according to head coach John Perry.

“The defense was really good,” Perry said. “We have really known how good they are because they have been playing each other for so long. They are very athletic, they get off blocks and they run to the ball. I thought they were really, really good tonight.”

Carthage's first points came from junior quarterback Slade Stiffler's 11-yard touchdown pass to Tate Nichols in the final seconds before halftime. The Tigers also scored on the final play of regulation, an untimed down. Nichols caught a 14-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Matt Cameron.

Nixa’s win marked 29 straight regular season victories dating back to 2022. The Eagles will be on the road to Joplin (1-0) in Week 2. Joplin edged Kickapoo 14-10 in the opening game of the season, too.

Nixa has won 21 straight regular season road games, too. Nixa’s last road loss came against Joplin in 2021.

Liam Keating covers high school sports and Missouri State athletics for The Springfield News-Leader. Send stats or information to him at [email protected]

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Nixa football earns 'statement win' over Carthage in season opener

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