NIXA — Jonah Fields has found himself to be an incredible weapon for Nixa football, even though he was never supposed to be the team’s starting kicker, let alone one of the best in the state.
“I didn’t really take it seriously at first,” Fields said with a smile.
During freshman year, coaches asked every player to hit a kick. Whoever kicked the furthest was made the kicker for the season.
Well, Fields won the competition, which started an incredible journey.
“I was thrown into it first and we’ve went from there,” Fields said.
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In Nixa’s 59-14 win over Glendale on Oct. 22, Fields drilled a 54-yard field goal with ease.
According to MSHSAA records, Fields’ field goal is tied for eighth-best in state history. This was the longest field goal since 2022, set by former Liberty North and current Mizzou kicker Blake Craig, who hit a 56-yarder.
“I’m glad he gave me a second chance,” Fields said. “I got to go out there and prove what I was capable of.”
Earlier in the game, Fields missed a chip shot. The angle was tight and made it an uncomfortable kick. Fields' miss was never in coach John Perry’s mind when sending him out for the 54-yard attempt.
“I think he’s the best kicker in the state,” Perry said. “I don’t think anyone is even close from what I’ve seen. He’s phenomenal.”
The 54-yard field goal is Fields’ new career-long. But the senior has made kicks from 62 yards with a holder during practice. During his record kick, the special teams unit worked efficiently. It was a great snap followed by a perfect hold from sophomore Ryan Talbert.
“It’s extremely satisfying seeing the ball soar through the air like that,” Fields said. “Even on the punt, it was the best punt of the season by far.”
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Not only is Fields the kicker, but he’s also the team’s punter. Oh yeah, he also started at corner for the defense, too.
Fields drilled a career-long punt against Glendale, well over 50 yards. There was very little wind, which made this night even more special for Fields.
While he hit a massive field goal, Fields backed it up with a fantastic kickoff. Following the special teams, Field was on the field covering Glendale’s extraordinary wide receivers.
“He kicks it into the end zone every single time and they get no return. You know that you can flip the field on a punt and then he goes and plays every down at corner,” Perry said. “Just a really good kid on top of all that.”
Fields hopes to kick in college, but has yet to decide where he will attend next year.
Fields left his mark in 2025, making a 52-yard field goal during Nixa’s big playoff win over Helias Catholic in the state quarterfinals. Against Glendale, Fields just proved he’s rounding into peak form.
He’s the perfect weapon for Nixa in its hopes for a state championship. With the playoffs starting next week, Fields is ready to perform when pressure is at its highest.
“The ultimate goal is state,” Fields said. “Our biggest thing is just playing on the road, it’s where we struggle with energy. But, I know what our team is capable of and we can make it back to state and win.
"Third time is the charm.”
Liam Keating covers high school sports and Missouri State athletics for The Springfield News-Leader. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Nixa kicker Jonah Fields goes from afterthought to Missouri record book