Special to the News-Leader
NIXA — Late in the first quarter of a tied game against the reigning Class 6 state-runner ups, Nixa starting quarterback Reid Potts went down with an injury.
Out stepped Austin McCracken.
The sophomore had started the previous week’s game at Branson as quarterback, but a Joplin team fresh off of beating Webb City was something he was not prepared for.
“I wasn’t ready to play quarterback at all,” McCracken said. “All week I prepared for slot receiver — we had expected (Potts) to do great.