Nixa’s already much-hyped sophomore class got stronger over the summer with the addition of Brennan Carey.
Carey transferred to Nixa from Carl Junction, when his father, Kevin, was brought on board to join the Eagles’ football and wrestling coaching staffs.
Kevin is a former coach at the prep level at Carl Junction, Frontenac (Kansas), Anadarko (Oklahoma), Turtle (Oklahoma) and at the college level at Ottawa (Kansas), Missouri Southern, Hastings (Nebraska), East Central (Oklahoma) and Nicholls State (Louisiana). He played college ball at Southwestern Oklahoma State and Sterling (Kansas).
Brennan, a defensive end, enjoyed a breakout moment at Republic last week by recording a tackle for a loss in the second half.
“It was good that coach trusts me in a big game like this, especially that late in the game,” Carey said.
“I thought he played very good for us tonight,” coach John Perry said.
“He’s big, very strong and quick. He’s going to be very good on the D-line,” said fellow sophomore Rylan Michel.
Carey has been adjusting well in his new surroundings, trying to learn what he can from the Eagles’ upperclassmen
“I’ve been rotating with the guys in front of me and it’s been really good for me,” Carey said. “I’ve got some good dudes and good coaches to work with.”
In addition to Carey, sophomores who contributed mightily against Republic were Michel and Spencer Ward and Rylan Michel. Ward ran for a 72-yard touchdown and had an interception and Michel caught an 85-yard touchdown pass.
Another sophomore, Jayden Antonelli, is seeing time at defensive end and tight end.
“We’re young and still have years to go to develop the program,” Carey said. “We want to be state champs.”
