NIXA — Once again, Nixa left little doubt about being the best team in Southwest Missouri on Friday, Sept. 11.
The Eagles, ranked No. 2 in Class 6, toppled Republic 49-6. Republic (2-1) is the No. 3 ranked team in Class 5. Nixa dominated with highlight play after highlight play throughout the evening.
Quarterback Adam McKnight rushed for three touchdowns and passed for one. Jax Adams rushed for an 87-yard score, while Joshua Ford scored the final touchdown of the game.
The main highlight of the game came from senior linebacker Chris Henegar.
“Last year, I dropped a few interceptions,” Henegar said. “It was redemption, it was redemption.”
In the third quarter, Republic tried to fake Nixa’s defense
out with a pass play. The run-first offense threw three times across its first two games of the season, and it showed as the Tigers tossed a ball over their wide receiver target.
Henegar caught it and sprinted 30 yards to the end zone for a pick-six.
“I dropped into my zone and the ball was right there,” Henegar said. “It was great blocking by my boys ,and I took it to the crib. It was awesome. I’ve never felt a feeling like that before.”
According to head coach John Perry, Henegar deserved the moment. The hard work that he’s put into his craft has only elevated Nixa’s defense this season.
“He’s a guy that represents our program well,” Perry said. “He didn’t get to play a whole lot last year, but he’s come on to the scene and he’s paid his dues. He’s done everything the right way and he’s earned the right to play. What a play, man.”
Henegar, along with many experienced Nixa defenders, shut down Republic’s offense. The Tigers rushed for 12 touchdowns in the opening two games. They went for 358 rushing yards in Week 1 versus Lebanon and followed it with 485 rushing yards against Kickapoo.
The Tigers couldn’t find pay dirt besides a short rushing touchdown from Noah Lashley in the first half. It all started in practice for Nixa.
“I thought our scout teams did a fantastic job,” Perry said. “Every single day, we worked on what they do. It’s hard for us to simulate that, but I thought our JV guys did a fantastic job.”
Nixa’s defense forced three turnovers in the game. Winning the turnover battle remains a mentality for the Eagles. It all starts with the physicality up front and it trickles down into the linebackers and into the secondary.“It’s 11 hats to the ball, all day,” Henegar said. “This is surreal. They were doubting us.”
Nixa goes on the road to Webb City (3-0) next week. The Cardinals outlasted Ozark 21-18 for a close Week 2 win. Republic will host Ozark (1-2) in Week 3.
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: Henegar's big play highlights Nixa's dominant win over Republic
