When Coach John Perry walks into a room, or onto a field, you feel it. The energy shifts. The standard rises. And on this week’s episode of The Starting Lineup with Scott Puryear, Ned Reynolds, and Art Hains, that presence came through loud and clear as the undefeated Nixa Eagles prepare for their Class 6 state semifinal showdown.

LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE:

Coach Perry has the Eagles sitting at a perfect 12-0, but it’s not the record that makes this team special, it’s the mindset. In breaking down their most recent win over Helias, Perry offered an honest look at the Eagles’ performance, admitting that a late first-half touchdown and a slow start in the third quarter created a moment of adversity. But instead of frustration, he saw opportunity: a reminder that champions aren’t defined by perfection, but by how they respond. As he told the guys, “There’s no such thing as a perfect game… adversity is where the best of the best shine.”

What makes Perry’s program truly elite is the foundation he’s built around communication, preparation, and mental toughness. He talks to his players not just about football, but about life, how to carry themselves, how to handle pressure, and how to make the next right decision when something goes wrong. He’s raising athletes, yes, but more importantly, he’s raising resilient young men.

And with a state semifinal ahead, that mindset is the difference-maker. From scouting Pattonville to amplifying the leadership already thriving in the locker room, Coach Perry made it clear: Nixa isn’t just talented, they’re dialed in, mentally sharp, and built for big moments.

This episode of The Starting Lineup captures what makes Nixa football so special right now: a community behind them, a team willing to work for each other, and a coach who knows exactly how to bring out the best in every player. If the Eagles keep playing with this level of purpose and unity, the road to a state title might just run straight through Nixa.