02:31 Friday Night Lights Return: Inside CBC, Nixa & Blue Springs South

This week on The Football 360 Show, JP Rock and Matt Biermann celebrate the official kickoff of the high school season with exclusive coach interviews and deep dives into Missouri’s top programs.

🔹 Season Kickoff Energy

• Football is back: high school lights on Friday nights, Mizzou opening Thursday, and Lindenwood set to kick off.

• Discussion on shifting game schedules, referee shortages, and the unique traditions that make Missouri football special.

🔹 Coach Interviews & Team Breakdowns

Scott Pingel – CBC Head Coach

• Recaps last year’s 9–2 season and the hunger for more at a championship-driven program.

• QB Nick McClellan (Kansas State commit) emerging as a true leader, growing from athlete into complete quarterback (22 TDs, 1 INT last year).

• RB Courtney Rivers and WRs Cordae Gage, Jane Reed, Arnest Webb, Darian Jones ready to fuel a fast-paced offense.

• TE Jake Plummer adds versatility, while OL Gavin Dobby (Navy commit) leads a senior-heavy unit.

• Defense anchored by 34 seniors with speed across the board, led by LB Cortland Collins and DL Joe Copp.

• Big matchups on deck vs. Sacred Heart-Griffin, Cardinal Ritter, and MCC rivals.

John Perry – Nixa Head Coach

• Nixa boasts one of Missouri’s biggest and most talented offensive lines, averaging 6’4” / 290 lbs.

• Led by the nation’s #1 recruit, Jackson Cantwell, plus standouts Hayden Maze, Dylan Terry, and Hunter Jensen.

• QB Adam McKnight (6’4”, 210 lbs, elite competitor) brings winning intangibles, joined by newcomer Jayden McCaster for added firepower.

• Nixa opens against Republic in a highly anticipated showdown.

• Coach Perry praises Cantwell’s leadership, work ethic, and ability to elevate teammates—a rare blend of 5-star talent and humility.

Alan Wilms – Blue Springs South Head Coach

• A veteran team with 17 returning starters, many of whom began as sophomores.

• QB Aiden Wilhelm (Rice commit) brings dual-threat explosiveness with 4.4 speed, forcing defenses to spy him with multiple players.

• Dynamic receiving core led by Gary Hill, Chance Taylor, Wyatt Denny, and Gavin Nash.

• RB tandem, including a returning 1,000-yard rusher, provides offensive balance.

• OL anchored by Jude Cousins (junior, team captain since freshman year), Hudson Lumberg (Central Arkansas commit), and Matthew Martinez.

• A loaded, experienced roster with expectations to contend deep into the season.

🔹 Big Picture Themes

• How elite leadership and accountability shape programs like CBC, Nixa, and Blue Springs South.

• The importance of QB development and culture-setting stars (McClellan, McKnight, Wilhelm).

• Missouri high school football continues to shine nationally with powerhouse programs and nationally ranked recruits.

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