Nixa is on a seven-game streak of home wins (dating back to last season), while Joplin is on a three-game streak of away wins: one of those streaks is about to end. The Nixa Eagles will take on the Joplin Eagles at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Nixa knows how to get points on the board -- the team has finished with flashy point totals in its past nine contests -- so hopefully Joplin likes a good challenge.
Nixa had already proven themselves in the regular season, and didn't miss a beat now that it's playoff time. They blew past Ozark 50-0 on the road. Nixa might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team's won six games by 29 points or more this season.
Nixa's win on Friday was the result of several impressive offensive performances. One of the most notable came from Dylan Rebura, who rushed for 92 yards and two touchdowns. The team also got some help courtesy of Malachi Rider, who rushed for 75 yards and two touchdowns on only eight carries.
Meanwhile, Joplin strolled past Kickapoo with points to spare on Friday, taking the game 45-29.
Joplin had a senior duo take command as Hobbs Gooch rushed for 114 yards and three touchdowns on only eight carries and Quin Renfro rushed for 257 yards and a touchdown while picking up 8.6 yards per carry. Gooch's longest rush was for an incredible 76 yards. Jonathan Williams made the highlight reel by snagging an interception and taking it all the way to the house.
Their wins bumped Nixa to 10-0 and Joplin to 7-3.
Nixa was able to grind out a solid victory over Joplin when the teams last played back in September, winning 35-27. One of the biggest obstacles the team faced in that game was Joplin's Renfro, who rushed for 183 yards and two touchdowns while picking up 9.6 yards per carry. Now that he's got a second chance to win this matchup, will Nixa still be able to contain him? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.
