NEOSHO, MO — The Neosho Wildcats are poised to take another step forward in the 2025 football season, leaning on an experienced roster to improve on last year’s 6-5 overall record.
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Under fourth-year head coach Brandon Taute, the Wildcats aim to climb the Central Ozark Conference (COC) standings and make a deeper postseason run.
“Last season was a great year,” Taute said. “You know, just fun for the community, fun for the kids, the whole program, but really, we just had a really special group of kids last year. They worked extremely hard, they were talented, but more importantly, they were just a fun group to be around. You know, they’re kids that love football and love being around each other, so we had a lot of fun last year, and a lot of that same culture has carried over into this season as well.”
Last season marked a significant leap for Neosho, as the Wildcats finished 6-5 overall and 5-4 in the COC, securing fifth place in the competitive conference.
In the Class 5 district playoffs, Neosho split their games, defeating Branson 35-28 before falling to Republic 42-21. The experience gained by younger players stepping into larger roles due to those injuries has Taute optimistic about 2025.
“It gave us a lot of confidence,” Taute said. “So, in the past a lot of times, I think, whether they said it out loud or not, that there was kind of this belief that maybe they didn't belong with some of the teams on our schedule. But, I think last year we proved that we can play with anybody, and so it just developed a ton of confidence for our kids.
Neosho graduated a talented senior class, including quarterback Cade Spiva (MNU, NAIA), linebacker Trey Hardin (Emporia State, DII), running back Denver Welch (Benedictine, NAIA), and others now playing at the collegiate level.
The loss of 12 starters and 15 lettermen could pose challenges, but Taute sees opportunity in the team’s returning depth, with 10 starters and 28 lettermen back.
“We lost a lot of really good football players to graduation last year, but at the same time, we returned a lot of really good football players,” he said. “Some of those kids have started a lot of games for us. Some of them have been starting for four years. A few other ones have started for three years, and we've got a lot of other kids that because they were playing behind the seniors last year, maybe they didn't get as many opportunities as they would at other times. But, they're extremely talented and great kids as well.”
The Wildcats’ offense, which averaged 30 points per game last season (177.1 passing yards, 103.5 rushing yards), will rely heavily on a veteran offensive line and versatile skill players.
“Our strength is going to be up front,” Taute said. “We return a lot of experience on the offense and defensive line.”
Leading the charge is senior lineman Everson Tomlinson (6’2, 290), a four-year starter and All-Conference, All-District, and All-Area honoree. Joining him up front are senior Romario Cifuentes (5’10, 260), a three-year starter at guard with excellent athleticism, and senior Gabriel Busteed (5’10, 225), a two-way starter known for his heart and determination.
At quarterback, junior Blayne Patterson steps into the spotlight after gaining valuable experience last season when Spiva was injured.
Senior running back Keisean Rhone (5’10, 170), who showcased breakaway speed as a backup last year, is ready to take over as the primary ball carrier. Senior Brock Pyle (5’11, 185), a three-year starter at wide receiver/tight end, will be a key target, tying together the run and pass game with his leadership and versatility.
Defensively, Neosho allowed 26 points per game last season (130 passing yards, 199 rushing yards) and returns significant experience in the front seven.
Senior linebacker Brody Crane (6’1, 220), an Arkansas baseball commit and All-Conference honoree, brings rare athleticism and versatility. Junior linebacker Colby McGehee (6’0, 230) emerged as a standout last season after stepping in for an injured teammate, and Taute expects him to impact both sides of the ball. Junior defensive end Jackson Ertel (6’2, 210) adds depth to a defensive front anchored by Tomlinson and Busteed.
“I think we’ve just got to keep the same approach we had last year that we've been building here,” Taute said about what it will take to find similar success this season. “That's just to focus on one day at a time. These kids have bought into that mindset and that culture and they do a great job of holding each other to a high standard and living at the standard that we ask everybody to in our program. They're not looking ahead. They're just enjoying every day and the time they get to be together and just trying to make the most of every opportunity. And I think if they can keep that mindset throughout the whole season,no matter what happens on Friday nights, that good things will happen for us.”
WILDCATS SCHEDULE
August 29: Glendale (Home)
September 5: Kickapoo (Away)
September 12: Lebanon (Home)
September 19: Waynesville (Away)
September 26: Webb City (Home)
October 3: Willard (Away)
October 10: Joplin (Home)
October 17: Republic (Away)
October 24: Carthage (Home)