News Summary
As the high school football season approaches in Springfield, several key players are set to take the field. Athletes from multiple schools like Carthage and Lebanon are expected to shine, contributing to the team’s strategies for a competitive season. Standout performances last year signal promising plays ahead, with pivotal matchups anticipated to impact playoff prospects. Coaches and fans alike are eager to see how these rising talents perform as the season kicks off in late August.
Springfield – The Springfield area high school football season is fast approaching, and the News-Leader’s annual previews for the 2025 season are highlighting key players likely to make waves this year. The season kicks off in late August, featuring a series of pivotal games that will set the tone for local teams.
This year’s rising talents include several athletes from various schools who delivered impressive performances in the previous season. Among the returning stars is Jordan Browning, the backup quarterback from Carthage. Browning is expected to step into the starting role this season, after showcasing his skills by running for 79 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries in the previous year.
Another standout is Christian from Lebanon, who is projected to spearhead the rushing attack for the team. Last year, he averaged an impressive 6.4 yards per carry, amassing 409 yards on 64 attempts, along with five touchdowns. His performance will be crucial in contributing to the team’s offensive strategy.
Brady Curtiss, a sophomore running back, also made headlines with his exceptional performance last season, where he rushed for 910 yards and 10 touchdowns, while also ranking among the area’s top tacklers. His dual threat as both a runner and defender makes him a valuable addition for his squad.
Jayden Flint, an emerging offensive player from Nixa, has shown promise with his performance last season, catching one pass for 44 yards and a touchdown. He may expand his role this season by occasionally playing running back, adding versatility to Nixa’s offense.
On the quarterback front, Trent Kivett from Neosho has been working hard, with notable plays that include completing 15 passes for 184 yards combined with rushing for 80 yards and scoring a touchdown last year. His continued growth at this position will be fundamental for Neosho’s strategy going forward.
In a similar vein, Mike Klier is set to advance on the depth chart with the departure of a senior player. Klier previously garnered 484 yards and four touchdowns on 91 carries, and his contribution is anticipated to be significant as the team navigates a competitive season.
Moving to Republic, Preston McCracken and Izaiah Hull are expected to lead the ground attack, with both athletes showing great potential in their previous performances. Their effective collaboration in executing plays will be essential for advancing the team’s offensive capabilities.
Hale made an impressive impact in his freshman year with 42 receptions for 565 yards and four touchdowns, and is expected to continue being a crucial target in the upcoming season.
On the defensive front, Haymes, a 6-foot-6, 225-pound defensive lineman from Ozark, is attracting attention from Division I scouts and is anticipated to break out this season. His physical stature and skills will make a notable difference in the defensive game plan.
Martin, another key defensive player at 6-foot-5 and 264 pounds, is also drawing solid interest from Division II programs, showcasing the depth of talent present in the area.
Looking at Joplin’s lineup, McCadney, a junior running back, ran for 136 yards and collected two touchdowns last season, with hopes high for his productivity this season. He is expected to be a significant playmaker in Joplin’s offensive strategies.
Meanwhile, Mondragon holds the title of second-leading tackler at Strafford last year and is the top returning rusher with six carries for 20 yards. His defensive skills will provide much-needed support for the team.
As for Sandgren, a senior who had limited varsity experience last season, he might emerge as a primary back or a receiver this year, enhancing the offensive roster for the Eagles.
Finally, Thomason is expected to shine as a top athlete from Fair Grove, likely to see increased usage in offensive roles, while Williams is a key returning rusher for Lamar, ending last season strongly with 550 yards across nine games.
The 2025 high school football season is gearing up to be competitive and exciting, with standout games on the horizon, including the matchups like St. Louis Christian Brothers against Sacred Heart-Griffin and Rochester’s highly anticipated clash with Mount Zion. Springfield High will go up against Decatur MacArthur, while New Berlin hosts Auburn, both crucial for playoff implications.
As athletes continue to be evaluated in their positional previews, the area is brimming with talent, especially in the defensive secondary, where players like Clark and Flint are known for their interception abilities, promising an exhilarating season ahead for the Springfield area high school football teams.
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Additional Resources
- News-Leader: Springfield High School Football New Names to Know 2025
- Wikipedia: Springfield
- SJ-R: Top High School Football Games in Springfield Area for 2025 Season
- Google Search: High School Football 2025
- Register Guard: Vote for Top Eugene/Springfield Football Player of Last Decade
- Google Scholar: High School Football
- News-Leader: Springfield Area High School Football Defensive Backs to Know 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Football
