Football Recap: Joplin Starts Season with Win at Home

Joplin took care of business in their home opener (and then some) on Friday. Everything went their way against the Kickapoo Chiefs as they made off with a 31-7 victory. The final result isn't all that surprising considering the Eagles' considerable advantage in MaxPreps' Missouri football rankings (they are ranked 20th, while the Chiefs are ranked 62nd).

Traevian McCadney had a dynamite game, rushing for 205 yards and two scores while picking up 7.6 yards per carry.

Eagles

Rushing Yards

08/29/25 vs Kickapoo	248
11/15/24 vs Nixa	165
11/08/24 vs Kickapoo	156
10/25/24 vs Webb City	189
10/18/24 vs Willard	79
+ 4 more games

They were just one part of a punishing run game: Joplin was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 248 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've posted since back in September of 2024.

Joplin didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off three passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Gabe Kabutha and Layne Royle.

Looking ahead, Joplin is headed away from home for the first time to challenge Lebanon at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. As for Kickapoo, they will look to take advantage of their home field for the first time this season as they take on Neosho at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.