SPRINGFIELD — It was another big week of high school football action in Missouri. There were some highly anticipated games coupled with rivalry clashes on Friday, Sept. 12.
Here’s everything that happened in Week 2 high school football for the Springfield area.
Hillcrest wins first home game since 2020
Hillcrest (1-1) took advantage early and never looked back against city rival Parkview (0-3). The Hornets took down the Vikings 49-12 for the team’s first win since 2024. It’s also Hillcrest’s first home win since 2020.
“I’m extremely proud,” Hillcrest head coach Keenan Ganz said. “We set up at the beginning of the week to focus on ourselves. We didn’t talk about Parkview, we talked about what we needed to do to be better. It showed and our guys executed at a high level, a level that we haven’t
done in a while.”
It’s been an abnormal start to the season for the Hornets. The did not have a Week 1 opponent gifting the team a late start to the season. Hillcrest has taken it all in stride focusing on themselves.
“This was our Week 1 to Week 2 jump,” Ganz said. “We made a lot of growth this week and hopefully, we can start to catch up with the other teams because they will have a week of experience on us.”
Hillcrest running back Xavier Garnett had one of his best games, according to Ganz. The senior’s maturity and recognization of certain play options has allowed him to see the entire field. It’s allowed for big plays, while also giving him chances to make the smart, conservative play.
“His patience tonight was what really stood out to us,” Ganz said. “He let his blocks set up and once it opened up, he hit it. The Xavier a year ago or two years ago, always tried to make the big play and it got him in trouble. He’s really grown and he was awesome with a great attitude.”
Hillcrest has won six of its last nine games over Parkview. The Hornets will go on the road to Bolivar (2-1) next week. The Vikings will host Logan-Rogersville (3-0) in Week 4.
Glendale earns first win of the season
Glendale (1-2) secured its first win of the season over Willard (1-2) by a score of 69-14 scoreline. The Falcons put up just six points in Week 1 followed it with a 21 point perfjoamcne in Week 2.
The offense came alive for Glendale cruising a big win at home. Sophomore Quarterback Ryder Spickard found wide receiver Trevor Heman for a 62-yard score in the first quarter. It set Glendale on the right track as they never trailed in the win.
Spickard threw six total touchdown passes. He threw four total to Heman, while Ben Stratton and Joelle Rover also caught touchdown scores. Rover’s touchdown reception saw him break two tackles before cutting up field for the long score.
Rover also scored via the second-half kick-return. Glendale’s defense joined in on the fun with a scoop-and-score and pick six.
Glendale will go on the road to Carthage (2-1) next week. Willard will host (0-3) Kickapoo.
Nixa topples Republic in ranked battle
No. 2 Class 6 ranked Nixa (3-0) and No. 3 ranked Class 5 Republic (2-1) had the entire state watching this matchup. The Eagles reigned supreme over the Tigers 49-6, marking Nixa’s fourth straight win against Republic.
Nixa quarterback Adam McKnight rushed for three touchdowns and threw a great touchdown pass to Jax Adams. Adams also scored an 87-yard rushing touchdown in the win. Joshua Ford added a late rushing touchdown, but senior linebacker Chris Henegar’s interception for a touchdown in the third quarter stole the show.
Republic’s lone touchdown came from running back Nolan Lashley. The Tigers couldn’t find an offensive rhythm especially when big plays were needed.
Nixa’s win extends its regular season win streak to 31 games. The Eagles will head to Webb City (3-0) next week. Republic will host Ozark (1-2).
Ash Grove, Clever remain undefeated
Ash Grove (3-0) and Clever (3-0) continue to be the best small school programs in the area.
Class 1’s Ash Grove defeated Stockton 29-9 led by quarterback Chase Acosta. The Pirates will host Miller (2-1) in Week 4.
Clever continued to show its early season dominance in Class 2. The Bluejays defied Forsyth 35-13. Clever will face another undefeated squad Fair Grove (3-0) next week.
Southwest Missouri Week 3 results
Big Eight Conference
- Mount Vernon 26, Aurora 0
- Cassville 28, Seneca 25
- Lamar 42, McDonald County 14
- Nevada 32, Monett 26
Central Ozark Conference
- Carthage 54, Kickapoo 6
- Glendale 69, Willard 14
- Lebanon 34, Joplin 32
- Neosho 42, Waynesville 12
- Nixa 49, Republic 6
- Webb City 21, Ozark 18
Mid-Lakes Conference
- Strafford 29, Buffalo 22
- Clever 35, Forsyth 13
- Fair Grove 64, Hollister 13
- Springfield Catholic 42, Reeds Spring 0
Southwest Conference
- Ash Grove 29, Stockton 9
- Miller 38, Diamond 0
- Skyline 40, Marionville 14
- Pierce City 46, Sarcoxie 6
Ozark Mountain Conference
- West Plains 27, Bolivar 20
- Branson 42, Marshfield 21
- Logan-Rogersville 35, Carl Junction 19
Non-conference
- Tipton 55, East Newton 12
- Hillcrest 41, Parkview 12
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 3 high school football action in Springfield area
