Nixa quarterbacks Nate Uber and Drew Blevins have combined for 66-percent accuracy on their passes this season. Turns out they’re sharpshooters literally.
Uber and Blevins have both tagged at least one deer nearly every year since they first started deer hunting at the ages of seven and eight.
Their streaks of success are a bit in jeopardy, with firearms season coinciding with the Eagles’ playoff run. Their free time, of course, is currently at a minimum.
“I'm glad it's hard to do right now because of football,” Uber said of deer hunting.
“It’s a very good problem to have,” Blevins added. “You can't compete for a state championship again. It's a once-in-a lifetime thing, especially when you're a senior.”
Firearms season began last Saturday and ends Tuesday. Following Nixa’s 56-34 win versus Joplin last Friday, both Uber and Blevins were in a tree stand the next day.
“We have a farm in between Collins and Osceola,” Uber said of his hunting retreat. “Since we had our game last Friday, I couldn't get up there until Saturday evening. I also went a couple weekends ago (during bow hunting season). I saw a few deer, but none I wanted to shoot at.”
When Uber was 9 years old, he bagged a 10-point buck.
Blevins’ 12-year-old brother killed a 12-point buck during early youth season the final weekend of October. But like Uber, Blevins didn’t have any luck last weekend.
“I went Saturday and Sunday morning and afternoon,” Blevins said. “I saw a few little deer, but nothing big enough to pull the trigger on. You don't want to shoot something if it's not big enough and not enjoyable.
“We're lucky our farm is only 15 minutes south of here (near Highlandville),” he added. “On Wednesdays, when we have a short practice, I go down there and get stuff ready in the stand to be prepared.”
Uber and Blevins were both a bit relieved Nixa’s Class 6 Quarterfinal game at Rockhurst will be played Friday. Initially, MSHSAA listed the matchup as a Saturday afternoon contest.
“I was very glad about that,” Blevins said. “It will depend what time we get home (from Kansas City), but I’ll be in my stand by Saturday afternoon for sure.”
