Nixa’s offense breaks from its huddle on running plays knowing the ball will be in running back Ramone Green’s hands more often than not. But the Eagles aren’t nearly so sure where the ball is headed upon lining up on pass plays.
With Nixa boasting exceptional experience at most of the skill positions, coach John Perry is entrusting his offense to often make spontaneous decisions, even while on the go.
The early results, as expected, were impressive.
The Eagles’ 42-19 victory at Webb City saw them total 17 first downs and 432 yards on 52 offensive plays. Inside those numbers were 37 rushes for 290 yards and 10-of-15 passing for 142 yards.
The Nixa offense figures to be well-balanced, unpredictable and perhaps most importantly, able to adjust to what the defense is showing.
“The ball goes depending on where they line up — one safety, two safeties, outside linebacker, Y or close,” Perry said of opposing defenses. “Honest to God, we don't know where the ball is going until the ball is snapped. Where it goes is more on them than us.”
Quarterback Connor Knatcal, in his second year behind center, is comfortable at the controls of the offense.
“With the concepts of making a read, we don't have many plays that are pre-snap pick-a-spot-and-throw-to-it,” Knatcal said. “The only time that might happen is when I've got Kael (Combs) on their worst corner and I'm going to get it out to him and throw a fade.
“Most plays, after I snap the ball I've got to read the safety and whether he goes in or out, I go opposite of him,” he added. “There's a lot of moving parts to it.
The first couple plays (each Friday), it’s a little iffy. But the more you rep it, the more it becomes natural. You can say, 'Okay, I've seen this and that before.' Then, it all makes sense. Everybody is always working on some things and I feel I'm getting there.”
Knatcal’s reads also include reacting to adjustments his receivers may make on pass routes.
“We have certain routes in which the receiver can choose to stop, break in or go. I have to see that,” he said. “If (a defender) is playing 10-20 yards off of our guy, he can stop and he's open. Or if they're coming up and getting in our guys’ faces, they can run by them. There are a lot or moving parts and people making choices. It works really well.”
Nixa surely will give opposing defensive coordinators fits during their prep work. In addition to Knatcal and Combs, the Eagles boast proven commodities in running back Ramone Green and wideouts Rylan Michel and Austin McCracken. Wideouts Wyatt Vincent and Noah Engelman and running back Dylan Rebura have been tabbed rising stars.
After missing all but two games last season due to broken collarbone, Green ran the ball 26 times for 231 yards Webb City.
Green, who saw plenty of varsity snaps as a freshman and sophomore, has drawn motivation from naysayers who he feels have slighted him due to his injury. It’s not clear who he is referring to, presumably it is one of the Barstool trolls from an opposing COC school.
Green picked up where he left off and no one should be surprised.
“That dude is set to have an outstanding year,” Perry said.
Rubera debuted as a freshman on the varsity level during Districts last year at Joplin. He recorded his first and second varsity touchdowns to cap Nixa’s win at Webb City.
He rushed eight times for 51 yards.
Perry feels Rubera is more than a capable backup and will be a name fans get well acquainted with.
“I told Ramone the other day that I don't know what the school record is for rushing yards and I'm sure he's going to set it, but he better set it really high because this dude is going to break it one day,” Perry said. “He's super talented. He's a little small right now, but is going to get bigger.”
Nixa’s passing numbers were somewhat modest at Webb City. But with a hyped receiving corps, the Eagles no doubt will go to the air with confidence throughout the season.
This week, Knatcal will go against a Neosho defense that allowed Willard quarterback Russell Roweton to throw for 437 yards and four touchdowns last week. Neosho beat Willard 79-72.
Most coaches, players and fans will agree Willard’s passing game pales in comparison to the Eagles’.
“It's crazy how athletic our receivers are, how fast they are and how long they are. It makes the quarterback's job a whole lot easier,” Perry said. “We have to do what our personnel dictates us to do. We have a bunch of wide receivers. We've got them so we'd be foolish to go out there and line up in a double tight, power-I set and have all those guys on the sideline. We have to think outside the box and do things that give us the best chance at winning.”
Perry expects opponents to double-team Combs, an All-State choice last season.
“They still will because you have to. I don't think you can stick one person out there on him because he's really good,” Perry said. “They will double him some and not double him some. If they are doubling him, someone else is getting single coverage and we're going to go over there. We're going to take what they give us.
“Sometimes, if you have one great receiver, you stick two people out there and don't worry about the rest of them. Well, we"re going to have four or five who they are going to have to cover.”
Vincent and Engelman are both relatively new to football. They have made a name for themselves already in baseball and basketball.
Last week, Vincent had a 35-yard touchdown catch and Engelman had one reception for 31 yards.
“Noah has been catching balls thrown down the court since he was probably five years old,” Perry said. “He understands how to catch a ball at its highest point. He already understands how to use his body and go up and get the ball like an alley-oop. We found out this summer really fast with him that he has the ability.”
Perry’s only concern offensively is the depth of his offensive line.
“The offensive line is a little thin,” he said. “We've got five starters I think will be just fine. Finding six, seven, eight will be important because throughout the season things are going to happen. You can have 100 good receivers, but if you don't have time to throw the ball, it doesn't matter.”
Freshman Jackson Cantwell, all 6-foot-8 of him, is among the backup offensive linemen Perry is hoping will develop throughout the season. Cantwell is a highly touted track and field standout and a well-regarded basketball player.
“Football is the sport he's a little behind compared to basketball and track because he's done a little more of them,” Perry said. “He is picking things up. He's highly intelligent and extremely athletic. We hope to use him a little on Friday nights. But we want him to have a freshman season. I think he needs a ninth-grade season. We're still looking for six, seven and eight along the offensive line and he's in that six, seven and eight. He's going to be a good one for sure.”
