The Nixa Eagles, the No. 1-ranked team in Class 6, traveled to Joplin on September 12, looking to start the year 3-0.

Joplin entered the game with a 1-1 record, dropping its previous game to Lebanon.

In a competitive defensive battle for the majority of the game, Nixa came out on top 28-14.

Nixa totaled 372 yards (129 passing and 243 rushing) offensively, with a clean game, committing zero turnovers.

Defensively, Nixa held Joplin to 233 yards (74 passing and 159 rushing).

Game Scoring Plays

Nixa capitalized on the opening drive of the game with a touchdown from QB Adam McKnight to WR Carter Mabe, giving the visiting Eagles an early 7-0 lead with 7:04 remaining in the first. View the TD here. 

End of the first quarter score: Nixa 7, Joplin 0.

Joplin tied the game with a touchdown of their own to start the second quarter, making it 7-7 with 11:21 remaining in the second quarter.

WR Scholar Brown gave Nixa the lead with a 20-yard touchdown off a jet sweep, placing Nixa ahead 14-7 with 3:46 remaining in the first half. View the TD here.

Halftime Score: Nixa 14, Joplin 7.

After both teams were held scoreless in the third quarter, Joplin tied the game with a 5-yard rushing touchdown with 9:23 left in the fourth quarter.

After driving down the field quickly, McKnight connected with Carter Mabe on a screen pass for his second touchdown of the night, putting Nixa back on top 21-14 with 5:27 left on the clock. View the TD here.

After the Nixa defense forced Joplin to punt, RB Jayden McCaster put the game to rest with a 30-yard rushing touchdown, extending Nixa's lead to 28-14 with 1:44 left in the game. View the TD here. 

Final Score: Nixa 28, Joplin 14.

The win moves Nixa to 3-0 and marks the sixth-straight victory over Joplin. Nixa returns home on Sept. 19 to host the undefeated Carthage Tigers, coming off a 48-15 victory over Glendale. Nixa aims to add to its third-straight win over the Tigers.

Top Nixa Performances

Jayden McCaster: 17 rushes, 176 yards, 10.4 YPC, 1 TD 

Adam McKnight: 13-20, 129 passing yards, 3 TD | 9 rushes, 67 rushing yards

Carter Mabe: 4 receptions, 58 yards, 14.5 YPR, 2 TD

Scholar Brown: 4 receptions, 30 yards, 7.5 YPR, 1 TD

Jackson Cantwell: 10 pancakes

Hayden Mays: 8 pancakes

Reed Wilson: 20 total tackles

Max Nicoll: 15 total tackles, 1 TFL

Weston Weldon: 11 total tackles, 1 TFL

Kaden Flood: 7 total tackles, 1 sack

Ty Kellis: 9 total tackles, 1 TFL

View game photos.