Nietert takes over as the Bearcats’ starting QB and is a returning starter at safety
By Buck Ringgold
Rhett Nietert understands what the expectations are this season, and every season, in a tradition-rich football town like Booneville.
“State championship,” the Bearcat senior said without hesitation.
Nietert already knows what it’s like to win a championship ring, having played on the Bearcats’ 2023 Class 3A title squad – the fifth team in program history to take state – as a sophomore.
“I love everything about it,” Nietert said. “The town is so supportive of the football team and we appreciate everyone so much. Winning is a must always and I can’t wait to deliver this upcoming year.”
Nietert will be entering his third season as a starting safety and after playing running back and receivers, enters his first season as the team’s starting quarterback.
“I think the biggest thing is being a leader for your team, and in football, everything comes back to the quarterback,” he said. “It is his job to help create a winning culture for the year.
“I feel like our guys have bought in big time in doing everything they can to win, whether that’s workouts, conditioning or learning technique. So, I think I’ve just stepped into that leader role to prepare for this season.”
As far as his leadership abilities go, Nietert remarked he is a combination of both a vocal leader and one who leads by example.
“I’m definitely very vocal playing quarterback and safety, and you kind of have to,” he said. “Those positions are like captains, you have to get everyone set up.
“I feel like my strengths are my communication skills. I feel like as a team, we’re able to feed off of each others’ energy.”
In order for the Bearcats, who finished 11-2 last season and reached the 3A quarterfinals, to make another run at state, Nietert observed that one key will be the play of the offensive line.
“The key is going to be the offensive line, which is more than capable to take us there,” Nietert said. “I think we have great chemistry and we are very close, which is exactly what’s needed to make it back.”
Photos by Rhett Nietert
