A New Era for the Wildcats
Neosho High School’s football program has cemented a cultural shift over the past two years, delivering back‑to‑back winning seasons that have reignited optimism across the community. Coach Brandon Taute attributes the turnaround to a collective buy‑in from the players, a factor that has been amplified by the graduation of a strong senior class and the establishment of a consistent winning mindset.
The 2025 campaign concluded with a 6‑5 record, beginning the year with a four‑game winning streak before a mid‑season slump. The Wildcats nonetheless secured a playoff victory, routing Branson 42‑20, before falling to Carthage in the district semifinals, a loss that left the team as the state runner‑up’s opponent.
Key contributors are set to return, headlined by senior quarterback Blayne Patterson, who earned second‑team all‑conference honors as a first‑year starter and has refined his game through track and 7‑on‑7 competition. Receiver Lincoln Howard is transitioning to running back, filling the void left by Keisean Rhone, while Haven Plummer and Mason Spiva anchor the receiving corps, with Plummer having collected first‑team all‑conference honors the previous season.
The offensive line will see a mix of experience and new faces, as center Micheal Schellhorn returns after anchoring the unit for three years, joined by Jaxon Ertel, Brian Tapia and others vying for starting roles. Ertel, a three‑year starter at defensive end, will also see time on both sides of the ball, while Andre McCamish may contribute at linebacker, adding depth to the defense.
Coach Taute emphasizes a mental mindset shift, urging the squad to focus on making plays when the game matters most in the final moments. The schedule presents tough challenges, including a home opener against Ozark and road trips to Joplin, Webb City and Carthage, but the coaching staff remains confident that the Wildcats can compete with the state’s top programs.