By Don Lowe
As starting quarterback of the Neosho Wildcats Senior High School football team, senior Cade Spiva understands there are challenges from a leadership standpoint, and he says, “It’s difficult to guide everything that happens in the game through you, especially on offense. It’s my job to keep everyone even keeled and ready to go all game long.”
Spiva believes he thrives running the show for Neosho’s offense and says, “Being a good player comes not only from physical skills but mentally as well. I think I’m a good leader and I help build strong relationships with everyone on our team.
“Having the trust of my teammates is important because the relationship I build with them will help make myself and everyone else around me better football players.”
In describing his style of play, Spiva says, “I’d consider myself a dual-threat quarterback, which means I can run and throw the ball. Having that capability makes it hard as a defense to stop everything our offense can do.”
Neosho Head Coach Brandon Taute appreciates all Spiva brings to the Wildcats, and he says, “Cade has an incredible work ethic. He puts in time outside the weight room and practice to perfect his craft. His football IQ is as high as any kid I’ve coached. He has grown into a tremendous leader.
“Cade’s ability to read defenses and take what the defense gives him makes him tough to defend. He can make all the throws and beat you with his legs at the same time. The time he’s spent in the weight room getting stronger and faster has made him a dynamic player with the ball in his hands.”
While Spiva gets a lot of credit, for him it’s more about everyone else in this program. He says, “Whether it’s my teammates or coaches, there isn’t anyone out there I don’t love with all my heart. When I can play freely because my team believes in me, it makes things better for me.
“A family with a good work ethic is going to help make you successful wherever you play. I feel like we have exactly that in Neosho this year. As quarterback, I need to continue to lead and keep relationships strong with everyone here.”
“Cade is dedicated to getting better every single day,” says Coach Taute. “He spends time working on his own and leads his teammates to put in the extra work as well. His growth over the past four years has been phenomenal, and that’s a testament to the time and work he has put in to get better.
“Cade is a great student and person off the field as well. He is involved in multiple things and is a positive influence on our school as a whole.”
Neosho Sports Star Cade Spiva Fast Facts
Age: 17
Height & Weight: 6’, 190 lbs.
Grade in School: 12th
Parents: Mike and Jenny Spiva
Sibling: Mason Spiva
Hometown: Neosho, Missouri
Favorite Subject in School: Math
Favorite Food: Any type of pasta
Favorite Professional Football Star: Houston Texans starting quarterback CJ Stroud
Favorite Football Movie: “When the Game Stands Tall”