Missouri high school football kicks into gear on Friday, August 29, 2025, with one of the most anticipated matchups in the state: Nixa vs Republic. The game is scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff at Republic R-3 High School, where the Republic Tigers will host the highly ranked Nixa Eagles in a non-conference showdown.
Matchup: Nixa vs Republic
Date: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch here
Though both teams enter the season with a clean slate, the contrast in preseason rankings adds intrigue. Nixa carries top-tier recognition, while Republic comes in hungry to make a statement on their home turf.
Team Rankings and Outlook
Nixa Eagles
Nixa enters the 2025 campaign with national ranking of 219, sitting at #1 in Missouri and #1 in their class. Those numbers highlight just how much respect the Eagles have earned heading into the season.
Even though their record currently stands at 0-0, the Eagles are widely considered a state powerhouse, capable of contending for championships.
- Overall Record: 0-0
- Home: 0-0
- Away: 0-0
- Win %: .000 (no games yet played)
- Points For (PF): 0
- Points Against (PA): 0
Republic Tigers
Republic starts the season ranked 1,047 nationally, 15th in Missouri, and 3rd within their class. That ranking puts the Tigers solidly in the mix for state recognition, but also makes them underdogs against a Nixa squad carrying statewide dominance.
Still, rankings only tell part of the story. With a supportive home crowd and the energy of a season opener, Republic has every reason to believe they can compete.
- Overall Record: 0-0
- Home: 0-0
- Away: 0-0
- Win %: .000
- Points For (PF): 0
- Points Against (PA): 0
Record Breakdown
Heading into the Aug. 29 contest, both programs share identical starting points:
- Overall: 0-0
- League: 0-0
- Non-League: 0-0
- Head-to-Head: 0-0
- Common Opponents: 0-0
- Home: 0-0
- Away: 0-0
- Neutral: 0-0
- Playoff: 0-0
- In-State: 0-0
- Out-of-State: 0-0
Both Nixa and Republic enter the season opener with blank stat sheets, which only builds anticipation for how they’ll perform when the lights come on.
Shared Opponents in 2025
This season, both schools are slated to face some of Missouri’s toughest programs, giving fans plenty of opportunities for comparison:
- Webb City – Nixa (9/5) | Republic (10/3)
- Joplin – Nixa (9/12) | Republic (9/26)
- Carthage – Nixa (9/19) | Republic (10/10)
- Kickapoo – Nixa (10/3) | Republic (9/19)
- Waynesville – Nixa (10/10) | Republic (9/5)
- Ozark – Nixa (10/17) | Republic (9/12)
These overlapping opponents will give both teams plenty of chances to prove themselves against similar competition throughout the year. The opener between Nixa and Republic could provide an early indicator of how they’ll fare in those high-profile matchups.
Storylines to Watch
1. Can Republic Handle the Pressure?
Facing the top-ranked team in the state is never an easy task, but doing it in the first week adds even more weight. Republic will need to rely on discipline and execution to slow down Nixa’s high-powered attack.
2. Nixa’s Rankings Come with Expectations
Being #1 in Missouri puts a target on Nixa’s back. Every opponent will give their best effort against the Eagles, starting with Republic. The challenge for Nixa is maintaining composure and proving that their ranking is more than just preseason hype.
3. Early Season Chemistry
Week one games often feature mistakes, but they also reveal potential breakout players. Both coaching staffs will be watching closely to see who rises under the Friday night lights.
4. Home Field Advantage for Republic
The Tigers won’t want to let their fans down in their season opener. The crowd energy at Republic R-3 High School could play a key role in keeping the game competitive.
Why This Game Matters
Although this is a non-conference game, the implications go beyond the standings. For Nixa, a win would cement their reputation early and build momentum for the season ahead. For Republic, upsetting the state’s top-ranked team would be a massive confidence boost and put them on the radar statewide.
Games like these help define a season. Whether it’s about building dominance or proving doubters wrong, both squads have plenty at stake.
Following the Action
Fans can follow the matchup live through scoretracker updates. Opportunities are available to be a Nixa live reporter or a Republic live reporter, helping deliver updates for those who can’t attend.
For more coverage of Massachusetts High School Football events, check out this section.
For other schools and state-specific schedules, visit the Find Your School page.
Final Thoughts
The Nixa vs Republic showdown is more than just a week one game—it’s a measuring stick for two Missouri programs aiming to prove themselves in 2025.
Nixa enters as the clear favorite, armed with top rankings and a history of dominance. Republic, however, has the home field, an eager fanbase, and the chance to deliver one of the biggest opening-week upsets in the state.
When the whistle blows at 7:00 p.m. on August 29, expectations will clash with determination. By the end of the night, one team will leave with momentum, and the other with lessons to fuel the weeks ahead
