SPRINGFIELD — High school football made its triumphant return on Friday, Aug. 28. Teams across Southwest Missouri suited up and took to the gridiron with dreams of winning titles and making big plays.
Here’s everything that happened to Springfield-area teams in Week 1.
Logan-Rogersville comes from behind against California
It wasn't the start of the game Logan-Rogersville wanted against California. The Wildcats trailed 12-0 midway through the second quarter. Logan-Rogersville regrouped and beat its opponent 46-14.
Logan-Rogersville’s comeback started via an 80-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Kasimir Manczuk to Gage Hale. Manczuk was able to toss a fade route to Braden Cantrell in the closing seconds of the first half to give the home team a 13-12 advantage.
In the third quarter, it was all Logan-Rogersville. Manczuk scored two more rushing touchdowns from the red zone, while Jack Cole scored from close, too.
Cole scampered for an 82-yard touchdown rush down the far sideline, which was the highlight of the entire game. Reserve quarterback Hayden Holstein added a rushing touchdown in the win, too.
Road warriors highlight Central Ozarks Conference
Besides Nixa, every road team won in the Central Ozark Conference in Week 1.
Home field advantage is real, especially for high school teams. But in the opening week slate, home teams struggled to make winning plays. Five road teams came out victorious in the COC.
The biggest win out of the five road warrior teams was Republic. The Tigers went to Lebanon and blanked the Yellowjackets 35-0. Nolan Lashlee scored four rushing touchdowns for the option-style offense. Mizzou commit Keiran Govan also scored via a short rushing play, too.
Elsewhere, Webb City dominated Glendale 42-6, while Joplin outlasted Kickapoo 14-10. Willard came out strong with a 34-21 win against Waynesville. Neosho earned a decisive 49-23 win against Ozark.
Jax Adams erupts in Nixa's big win against Carthage
Patience is key for a running back, especially for senior Jax Adams. The senior led Nixa to a dominant 42-12 win over Carthage.
Last year, Adams waited in the shadows behind Jayden McCaster, who now plays at Southern Illinois. In his first game of senior year, Adams was shot out of a cannon, leading the Eagles offense.
Adams scored three touchdowns, including a 69-yard scamper in the first year. All three of his touchdowns involved a broken tackle and a crisp juke move.
Senior quarterback and Missouri State commit Adam McKnight added two rushing touchdowns, too. He also tossed a perfectly weighted fade route to Carter Mabe, who made a tough touchdown catch.
Nixa’s win marked 29 straight regular season victories dating back to 2022.
Reeds Spring hangs on for close win over Parkview
Parkview came within inches of giving first-year head coach Derek Daniels an opening night win. Reeds Spring earned a 7-6 road victory.
The Wolves scored a short rushing touchdown via Blake Murphy before halftime. A critical extra point was secured, giving Reeds Spring a 7-0 lead at the break.
Parkview would score its lone touchdown on the opening drive of the second half. Cordell Davis caught a slant route from quarterback Marcus Grube. Davis went 35 yards to the end zone. The Vikings' short rushing play was stuffed for a failed two-point conversion.
Parkview had three more offensive possessions in the game, but they were unable to get the ball into Reeds Spring territory. The Vikings defense made key plays all game, including a fourth down red zone stop to keep the game at 7-6 late in the fourth quarter.
Southwest Missouri Week 1 results
Big 8 Conference
- Cassville 47, Monett 18
- Seneca 42, East Newton 6
- Lamar 49, Aurora 13
- Nevada 24, Mt. Vernon 20
Central Ozark Conference
- Nixa 42, Carthage 13
- Webb City 42, Glendale 6
- Joplin 14, Kickapoo 10
- Republic 35, Lebanon 0
- Neosho 49, Ozark 23
- Willard 34, Waynesville 21
Non-conference
- Buffalo 55, Diamond 14, Thursday
- Logan-Rogersville 46, California 14
- Clever 13, Marionville 8
- Fair Grove 25, Mountain Grove 13
- Ava 14, Forsyth 12
- Berryville (Ark.) 40, Hollister 24
- Reeds Spring 7, Parkview 6
- Springfield Catholic 42, Lighthouse Christian 21
- Carl Junction 40, Strafford 3
- Willow Springs 24, Ash Grove 22
- Clever 13, Marionville 8
- Miller 66, Cabool 0
- Pierce City 41, Houston 19
- Sarcoxie 35, Commerce (Okla.) 0
- Skyline 37, Versailles 0
- Stockton 38, El Dorado Springs 2
- Bolivar 41, Osage 6
- Harrison (Ark.) 28, Branson 16
- Carl Junction 40, Strafford 3
- McDonald County 26, Marshfield 22
- West Plains 43, Miller Career Academy 6
Liam Keating covers high school sports and Missouri State athletics for The Springfield News-Leader. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Breaking down Week 1 Springfield area high school football action
