SPRINGFIELD — High school sports is off and running for the new school year. Big touchdowns, important goals and long home runs were hit during the opening weekend of action around southwest Missouri.
It's now time to vote for the News-Leader's athlete of the week for Aug. 24-29. Voting closes at noon on Friday. Here are the nominees.
If there is a player from the area who has made an impact, send nominees with stats to Liam Keating at lkeating@gannett.com or on X at @liamkeating7.
Jax Adams, Nixa football
It was a breakout performance for the senior. He rushed for 169 yards on 18 carries. Adams scored three rushing touchdowns,
including a 69-yard score down the near sideline. The running back led Nixa to a dominant 42-13 win over Carthage.
Varsity goes 4-0 on opening weekend & are the Repmo Lead Off Tourn champs. Wins over West Plains, Carthage, Webb, & Mac County. Arauz, Barr, Hicks, Piper, and Ebert all tourn. team. Arauz MVP. Ebert best offensive player. Out scored opp. 51-9. Great start. Ozark @ home Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/gVhyBoJWXC
— Willard Softball (@WILLARDSOFTBALL) August 31, 2026
Alivia Arauz, Willard softball
Thanks to Arauz, Willard was able to win the Republic Leadoff Classic on Saturday, August. 29. Willard defeated McDonald County 14-2 in the championship game. Arauz went 3-for-4 at the plate with a home run and a double. She was named the tournament’s most valuable player. Along with the win over McDonald County, Willard took down West Plains, Carthage and Webb City for the title.
Sam Boster, Springfield Catholic football
The senior led the Irish to a 42-21 win over Lighthouse Christian on Friday, Aug. 28. Boster erupted for 120 yards on seven carries along with a touchdown. On defense, Boster also secured five solo tackles, a fumble and an interception in the win.
Josh Hart, Republic soccer
The senior scored the game-winning goal to help Republic clinch the Webb City Kickoff Classic title. Hart scored the goal off of a half volley from inside of the box. He received the pass from Maddox Aldridge, who put the ball into the box after a long throw. Hart’s goal was perfectly placed in the bottom right corner to give the Tigers the win.
Kasimir Manczuk, Logan-Rogersville football
The junior quarterback orchestrated Logan-Rogersville to a 46-14 win against California. While the Wildcats trailed 12-0 midway through the second quarter, Manczuk put together some impressive drives. He tossed two passing touchdowns and scored two rushing touchdowns. One of Manczuk’s passing touchdowns resulted in an 80-yard reception from Gage Hale.
Liam Keating covers high school sports and Washburn University for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Vote for Springfield area's Athlete of the Week for Aug. 24-29
