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NMCC preparing for talented Lift for Life
NEW MADRID, Mo. — Finding themselves back in the Class 2, District 1championship game, the NMCC Eagles have one advantage this year — they get to host.
Last year, the Eagles went on the road and lost the Class 2, District 1 championship to Jefferson (Festus) 42-20. But this year, with an 8-1 record, NMCC will host the talented Lift for Life Academy Charter Hawks, a team who is used to being on the road, not having a field to call home.
“Lift for Life is a very good team,” said NMCC head coach Tyler Fullhart. “We will have to bring our top game. It will be a true championship contest.”
The Hawks come in with a 7-4 record but have played a very tough schedule. Lift for Life has only played two games against Class 2 opponents with only one of their four losses coming to a Class 2 team, a 14-6 opening week defeat to Duchesne, ranked 8.
The Hawks also took losses to Lutheran North (20-8) ranked fifth in Class 3, Class 5 Chaminade College Prep (42-12) and Class 6 SLUH (48-20).
Averaging just over 26 points a game, the Hawks feature a dual-threat quarterback in Avion Bass. In a 54-12 Class 2, District 1 semifinal win over Carnahan last week, Bass completed 15 of 19 passes for 257 yards and five touchdowns.
For the season, Bass has completed 66 of 92 passes for 1,104 yards and 13 touchdowns with just five interceptions. He has rushed for 191 yards and a score, while also headlining the defense with 62 tackles, second on the team to Noah Ridgel’s 64.
Freshman Charles Bass Jr. caught eight passes last week for 103 yards while the top Hawks receiver this year has been Reshad Singleton. The senior has grabbed 32 passes for 420 yards and five touchdowns while senior Kalvyn Owens has 19 catches for 272 yards and three touchdowns.
Junior Da’Kion Phillips leads the rushing attack, with 667 yards and two touchdowns while Singleton has added 464 yards on the ground with five scores.
Phillips has been a terror on the defensive side for Lift for Life, with nine interceptions for a defense allowing just 17.8 points per game. They will be tested Friday, with a NMCC offense that scores 45.3 points per game.
Eagles senior quarterback Matt Riley leads the high-powered attack, completing 79 of 140 passes for 2,065 yards and 28 touchdowns and just seven interceptions.
His top receiver is senior Shamar Williamson, who has 27 catches for 923 yards and 12 touchdowns. Senior Adrian Smith has 15 catches for 391 yards and four scores while senior receivers Marcelous Phillips and Ken King have 14 catches apiece. Phillips has 342 yards receiving with six touchdowns while King has 217 yards with four scores.
Senior Corvel Williams leads the rushing attack with 1,327 yards on 144 carries with 17 touchdowns.
“They play good football up there and we have to be ready to go and be on top of our game,” Fullhart said after Friday’s win against Kelly. “I’m glad that it’s at home. Hopefully we’ll have a big crowd here and can finish it.”