NIXA, Mo. — A powerhouse class has left Nixa after delivering back-to-back district championships and a Class 5 State Championship appearance.
That crop included four all-state players: Chase Allen, Logan Tyler, Mason Stipp, and Austin Heatherly. Allen is gone to Iowa State and Tyler to Florida State. That is a taste of what the Eagles will replace after a 7-6 campaign.
Head coach: Rich Rehagen (9th season)
2015 Record: 7-6
Key Players: Ben Howard (CB), Layne Jennings (OL/DL), Ben Lambton (OL/DL), Nicos Oropeza (RB), Andrew Rivera (QB), Hayden Young (OLB)
The effort starts in the backfield, namely with senior Nicos Oropeza, who was one of the Ozarks’ best running backs in 2015. The three-year starter racked up 1,654 yards and 21 touchdowns on 292 carries. In Nixa’s Class 5 quarterfinal loss to Carthage, he rushed 31 times for 209 yards and three scores.
"He's our most experienced kid. He does a lot of things really well,” head coach Rich Rehagen said. "The way he practices, works out, when he goes out for practice or a game, you know what kind of effort you're going to get.”
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF NIXA FROM THE KICKAPOO TEAM CAMP
Joining him in the backfield will be Andrew Rivera, who was phased into the quarterback mix midway through last season. He was effective, completing sixty percent of his passes and showed a good pocket presence. He’ll assume full-time duties this fall.
"He got some good experience at the end of the year. From his first game to his sixth, he got better and better, so you hope he just picks it up and goes from there.”
He’ll be protected by two-way starters Layne Jennings and Ben Lambert, who expect to be forces on defense combining for 79 tackles in 2015. That production will be necessary for a defense that lost its top six tacklers.
"Our guys are doing a lot of learning in our camps and 7-on-7's. We're putting guys in different spots and seeing how they all fit.”
For many high school programs, the kicking situation is not a point of focus, but Nixa has been gifted with college-level kickers (Tyler, Shelby Harris) for the better part of a decade. Sean Sample will get the first crack at these duties in 2016.
Like with every other position, Rehagen said it’s up to these guys seizing their opportunity for the Eagles to maintain this success.
"You hope the traditions get passed down. Each group gets a chance to step up and try to make their mark. Our kids have been successful so hopefully our guys are ready to take their turn at it.”
Nixa hosts Willard to open the season on Aug. 19.
