Short memory serving Eagles’ Fields well as place-kicker and cornerback

Published 2:27 am Monday, October 26, 2026

Jonah Fields is starting in Nixa’s secondary for the first time, but isn’t new to being a defensive back. Just as he was a backup kicker up until this season, he’s been a backup cornerback until recent weeks.

Fields feels there’s a distinct correlation between a corner and a kicker in regard to a short memory being almost a requirement.

“I’ve got to have the same (mentality) as a cornerback as a kicker,” the Eagles senior said. “You need to drop (a mishap) and move on to the next play, that’s what you have to do. I think I’m pretty good at that, moving on and doing what I have to do for my team.”

Indeed, Fields’ fortitude was front and center for all to see in Nixa’s Week Nine triumph at Glendale.

Fields was victimized at corner by two touchdown catches by Falcons wide receiver Joelle Rover. Fields had Rover wrapped up, before Rover broke free and raced to a 72-yard touchdown in the first quarter. In the second half, Rover got a step on Fields on a sideline pass route and hauled in a scoring strike over his shoulder for a 60-yard touchdown.

“He’s a great receiver. He had two big plays,” Fields said. “I think I did pretty well. I love being tested to see how my technique can match up with someone like him.”

Early in the third quarter, Fields missed a 28-yard field goal.

Not deterred, he maintained his confidence and made good on his chance for redemption later in the game, and then some, by splitting the uprights for a school-record 55-yard field goal.

Interestingly, his preparation time was essentially zero.

“I didn’t even know we were going for a field goal,” Fields said. “I was getting things sorted out on the sideline with the defensive coaches. I just hopped in there.”

Fields’ previous best was last season’s 52-yarder versus Jefferson City Helias. That was his first and only field goal last season, as Brayden Kahmke handled the great majority of the Eagles’ place-kicking duties, making 87-of-88 PATs.

Fields has carried on Nixa’s tradition of strong kickers that in recent seasons has also included Sean Sample, Kaleb James, Jordan Cribbs and Kahmke.

Fields is only 2-of-4 on field goals, but is 47-of-48 on PATs. Also, he has 46 touchbacks in 69 kickoffs.

Fields would love the chance to match or break Pattonville’s Danny Huesgen’s state record 62-yard field goal. That mark has stood for 31 years and is four yards longer than the second-longest field goal.

“That’s pretty far, that’s impressive — 62 is the furthest I’ve ever hit in practice,” Fields said. “That was not in pads. It makes a difference with pads on.

“I can hit 60 pretty consistently,” he added. “I know what I’m capable of and the coaches know what I’m capable of. I just have to execute.”