NIXA, Mo. — Nixa football continued its winning ways with consecutive dominant home performances, defeating Kickapoo 55-6 on Oct. 1 and Waynesville 63-7 on Oct. 9 to improve to 6-1 overall.
The Eagles combined for 118 points while allowing just 13 across the two matchups, extending their winning streak to three games following a 45-28 road victory over Ozark on Sept. 25.
Led by quarterback Adam McKnight, running back Jax Adams and wide receiver Carter Mabe, Nixa's offense produced explosive scoring stretches in both games. The Eagles' defense also played a significant role, holding both opponents scoreless through the first half.
Eagles Cruise Past Kickapoo on Homecoming
Nixa opened its two-game homestand with a commanding 55-6 victory over Kickapoo during Homecoming on Thursday, Oct. 1.
The Eagles scored 27 points in the first quarter and followed with 28 in the second, building a 55-0 halftime advantage.
McKnight completed 7 of 9 passes for 154 yards and three touchdowns, directing an efficient offensive performance.
Adams accounted for five touchdowns, rushing for 63 yards and three scores on seven carries while catching two passes for 72 yards and two additional touchdowns.
Nixa finished with 352 total yards, including 185 passing and 167 rushing.
Defensively, the Eagles kept Kickapoo scoreless throughout the first half. The Chiefs scored their lone touchdown in the third quarter, but Nixa maintained its commanding lead to secure the victory.
Adams earned overall and special teams Player of the Game recognition, while McKnight received offensive honors and Cruz Bledsoe was recognized defensively.
Second-Quarter Surge Powers Victory Over Waynesville
The Eagles followed their Homecoming victory with another dominant performance against Waynesville on Friday, Oct. 9.
After opening the game with a 7-0 first-quarter lead, Nixa erupted for 42 points in the second quarter to build a 49-0 halftime advantage.
McKnight completed 13 of 17 passes for 225 yards and three touchdowns, while Adams powered the rushing attack with 146 yards and three touchdowns on 16 carries.
Mabe delivered a standout receiving performance, catching eight passes for 181 yards and two touchdowns. His production provided Nixa with another explosive offensive weapon and helped fuel the Eagles' first-half scoring surge.
Nixa's defense held Waynesville scoreless through the first three quarters. The Eagles extended their lead to 56-0 entering the fourth before both teams added a touchdown in the final period.
The 63-7 victory marked Nixa's third consecutive win and improved the Eagles to 6-1.
Offensive Leaders Continue to Produce
Across the two victories, McKnight completed 20 of 26 passes for 379 yards and six touchdowns.
Adams combined for 209 rushing yards and eight total touchdowns, including six rushing and two receiving scores. He averaged 9.1 yards per carry across the two games.
Mabe's 181-yard, two-touchdown performance against Waynesville highlighted the Eagles' receiving production.
Through seven games, Nixa's season statistics list McKnight with 13 passing touchdowns and a 76.9% completion rate. Adams leads the Eagles with 96.3 rushing yards per game, while Mabe averages a team-high 73.2 receiving yards per game.
The offensive production has been complemented by a defense that continues to limit opposing scoring opportunities.
Defensive Standouts Anchor Eagles
Nixa's defense has played an important role in the team's 6-1 start, with several players contributing throughout the season.
Senior Reed Wilson leads the Eagles with 12 tackles per game, followed by senior Weston Weldon at 10.7 and junior Cruz Bledsoe at 7.9.
Weldon also leads the team with three sacks, while junior Peyton Chainey has recorded a team-high two interceptions.
The Eagles have allowed just 13 combined points over their last two contests, keeping both Kickapoo and Waynesville off the scoreboard through halftime.
Nixa Prepares for Final Regular-Season Road Games
With a 6-1 record and three consecutive victories, Nixa enters the final stretch of the regular season.
The Eagles travel to Lebanon on Friday, Oct. 16, for a 7 p.m. kickoff before closing the regular season at Glendale on Thursday, Oct. 22, at 7 p.m.
Nixa will look to build on its recent offensive production and defensive consistency as postseason play approaches.
