Running back Jayden McCaster helped propel Nixa to a Week 5 win over the Lebanon Yellow Jackets 49-14, scoring the first five of Nixa's seven touchdowns in the game.

The senior All-State RB had 15 carries for 144 yards and celebrated in the end zone five different times.

The 5-TD performance marks a season high for McCaster. All but one game McCaster has had multi-TD games. His Nixa debut against Republic in the season opener, where he ran for 210 yards, is the most thus far.  

For the year, McCaster has rushed 83 times for 838 yards and 15 TDs, averaging 10.1 yards per carry and 167.6 yards per game. He leads all of Class 6 in total yards and TDs.

McCaster's abilities on the field are special to witness, but it's the things he does off the field that his head coach has high praise for. 

"Jayden's 5-touchdown performance against Lebanon was special, but what makes him stand out even more is his character and commitment to being a great teammate. He shows up every day with a desire to get better, to lift others, and to represent our program the right way. Jayden has made a tremendous impact not just on the field, but on the culture of our team," said head coach John Perry.

McCaster committed to Southern Illinois University prior to the start of the season. He's been a pivotal player in the Eagles early success that sees Nixa undefeated (5-0) as the Class 6 No. 1-ranked team with goals to return to the state championship game. 
Next up in the quest is a Week 6 road matchup against Kickapoo on Oct. 3.

Click here to view more on McCaster's 5-TD game.