Nixa football makes statement vs Carthage days after beloved assistant died of cancer

CARTHAGE — Every other Monday, Nixa assistant coach Todd Smith would miss football practice to undergo a round of chemotherapy. He'd be back the next day, only leaving practice to sometimes throw up before returning to lead the defensive backs.

Smith preached toughness and asked his players to give everything they had. No one was a greater example than the coach as he battled pancreatic cancer.

Smith yelled instructions at his players, like safety Parker Mann when his footwork was off. When he was done yelling and his players returned to the sideline, he'd hug them and make sure they knew he loved them.

The Eagles loved him right back. It's why their hearts were heavier during Friday night's statement 34-14 statement win at Carthage to take control of the Central Ozark Conference.

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Smith, also a former Republic assistant coach and teacher, succumbed to cancer this week. "Todd Tough" T-shirts filled the stands and on helmet stickers of players. It was also felt in the relentless effort the top big school in the Ozarks played with on every single snap.

"He made us better every day," Mann said. "He was like a father figure in this program to us. He's close to us in our hearts and we'll always remember him."

The toughness Nixa played for was evident from the opening snap. No situation was too big as the Eagles (4-0) overcame several and-long situations throughout the night. Sophomore quarterback Adam McKnight threw for 173 yards and three touchdowns, with two going to Wyatt Vincent, who seemed banged up while continuing to get back up.

You could see the toughness Smith helped instill in every Dylan Rebura run when he shoved off tacklers en route to 206 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. You could see the toughness late in the game, even when it was out of reach, when Mann came flying in to put a big hit on a ball carrier.

"For our kids? What an example," Nixa coach John Perry said. "He showed up every single day with chemo in his body and gave everything he's got. How can we go out there and not play hard? How can we go out there and not be tough?"

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Smith's influence will continue to live on. Mann smiled, acknowledging that the defensive coach one time told him early in his career that his "feet sucked." Mann has since developed into an all-state caliber player. Mann attributes his footwork to his growth and knows Smith was watching over him on Friday, smiling.

Perry thought of the impact Smith had on his life. Smith was a friend to him and also served as an inspiration. Smith attacked life headfirst, was courageous and showed up for the kids.

It's an impact that will carry on with the Eagles and everyone who loved Smith for years to come.

"He made a difference in our kids' lives and he made a difference in our coaches' lives," Perry said. "He will be greatly missed but the impact will live on."

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Nixa football beats Carthage following coach Todd Smith passing