Entering the start of Class 6 District 3 play tonight, Nixa coach John Perry figures opponents will lock in on the Eagles defense’s struggles against Republic in Week Eight.
Republic recorded 340 yards rushing while upsetting Nixa 36-35 in overtime. Three Tigers running backs gained 90 yards rushing or more.
Scouting reports on the Eagles no doubt are focusing on Nixa’s presumed weakness against the run.
Most notable in Perry’s estimation, though, is Republic was rewarded for its repeated gambles offensively. The Tigers were 6-for-6 converting on fourth down.
Likewise, Carthage converted on fourth down against the Eagles in Week Four on its first six attempts.
That’s daring coaching, Perry says.
“You have to be willing to go for it on fourth down a lot because you’re going to get a lot of fourth-and-shorts,” Perry said. "Republic did that and got it. They had a very good night. But that’s a tough way to live, to know you’ve got to go for it on fourth down six or seven times.
“You know as soon as you don’t get it, you’re giving up a short field,” he added.
Ozark experienced success running the ball against Nixa on its first two drives in the teams’ Backyard Brawl matchup last week. The Tigers’ opening drive took more than eight minutes.
Expect Ozark to try to do more of the same in the teams’ rematch this week at Nixa.
“We’ll be ready for whatever,” Perry said. “Football is not an overly complicated sport. There are so many gaps out there you’ve got to fill.”
Offensively, Nixa (8-1) has been about as good as it gets. The Eagles have rushed for 2,390 yards and thrown for 1,959 more.
Running back Ramone Green continues to keep his average gain per run in double digits. He’s at 10.2 yards per run with 1,656 yards rushing.
Quarterback Connor Knatcal has 21 touchdown passes and one interception.
The receiving corps has six players with two touchdown catches or more.
Perry predicts it will take an exceptional effort from a Nixa opponent to knock off the Eagles.
“We will be hard out for someone down the road,” he said.
The seeds for Class 6 District 3 are No. 1 Nixa, No. 2 Lee's Summit North (8-1), No. 3 Kickapoo (7-2), No. 4 Joplin (7-2), No. 5 Ray-Pec (5-4), No. 6 Lee's Summit West (2-7), No. 7 Lee's Summit (4-5) and No. 8 Ozark (2-7).
