Joplin is 5-0 against Neosho since September of 2018, and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Friday. The Joplin Eagles will head out on the road to face off against the Neosho Wildcats at 7:00 p.m. Joplin will be strutting in after a victory while Neosho will be coming in after a loss.
Joplin fell on hard times earlier this season, but after back-to-back victories it seems like their luck might finally be changing. They simply couldn't be stopped on Thursday as they easily beat Carthage 49-21 at home. The result was nothing new for Joplin, who have now won four matchups by 21 points or more so far this season.
Quin Renfro continued his habit of posting crazy stat lines, rushing for 270 yards and five touchdowns while picking up 15.0 yards per carry. Renfro was no stranger to the big play, turning on the jets for a run that went for 65 yards.
Meanwhile, Neosho ended up a good deal behind Webb City on Thursday and lost 37-18. While losing is never fun, Neosho can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Missouri football rankings (they are ranked 113th, while Webb City is ranked 17th).
The loss doesn't tell the whole story though, as several players had good games. One of the most active was Tyrone Harris, who picked up 184 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The team also got some help courtesy of Quenton Hughes, who threw for 278 yards and three touchdowns.
Joplin's victory on Thursday bumped their record up to 5-3. Neosho has traveled a rocky road this season, as they've lost seven of their first eight games, which leaves them at a 1-7 record this season.
We should be in store for an exciting game Friday as both teams have no problem gaining yardage. Joplin has been on an offensive roll this season, having averaged 359.2 total yards per game. However, it's not like Neosho struggles in that department as they've been averaging 353.8 per game. With a pair of commanding offenses duking it out, the defenses are going to have their work cut out for them.
Everything went Joplin's way against Neosho in their previous meeting back in October of 2022 as Joplin made off with a 68-43 victory. The rematch might be a little tougher for Joplin since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
