PACE, FLA- As stated by Pace High School, Senior Offensive Lineman Nickolas Stiles has officially committed to Missouri S&T University (3-7, 2-4 Great Lakes Valley). Stiles later announced his decision via a Twitter Post on December 10th. As a current Senior, Stiles is set to graduate from Pace High School on May 27th, 2023.
“One factor that contributed to my commitment to Missouri S&T University was the welcoming atmosphere I received upon my arrival. Simply put, I just felt at home. MS&T also has one of the nation’s top Aerospace Engineering programs, which is my chosen major, so it was just a perfect fit. Finally, being able to compete for MS&T in the Great Lakes Valley Conference and play the University of West Florida, my hometown school. It’s such a blessing to commit to MS&T, and I’m excited about what the future holds!”
Led by Head Coach Andy Ball, Missouri S&T University went 3-7 overall, finishing fifth in the Great Lakes Valley Conference Standings. In reference to this, Senior Quarterback Stanton King struggled as the Miners’ QB1, completing 85-157 (54.1%) pass attempts for 948 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and six interceptions. When King opted to throw, he typically targeted Freshman Receiver CJ Jarmon (16/320/4) and Junior Receiver Isaiah Wright (33/410/3).
Fortunately for King, Missouri S&T University’s running game was excellent, recording 330 rushing attempts for 1,313 rushing yards, twelve rushing touchdowns, and 4.0 YPC as a team. Furthermore, Sophomore Cameren Smith served as the Miners’ workhorse back, notching 124 carries for 816 rushing yards, eight touchdowns, and 6.6 YPC. In addition to Smith, Sophomore Kai Martin (21/126/2), Sophomore Josh Sanders (46/153/0), and Junior Gideon Niboh (54/237/1) all contributed to Missouri S&T University’s rushing attack.
“I’m excited to work with the dawgs at Missouri S&T because it’s going to elevate our run and pass blocking game. The Offensive Line we are building at MS&T is going to be dangerous, and when we make a mistake, our coaches can correct us and make us look good.
While Stiles is set to begin his collegiate experience at Missouri S&T University soon, Stiles will not forget Pace’s memorable 2022 football season. Lead by the dominant rushing duo of Sophomore Quarterback Nick Simmons and Sophomore Running Back Ben Tyner, Pace High School posted a 7-3 overall, 2-2 4S District One Conference Record, and clinched a playoff bid as the No. 6 seed in the 2022 FHSAA Football State Playoffs. In addition, Pace also defeated Milton 42-35 in their annual Battle for the Bronze [Helmet] Rivalry Game on October 28th, which Stiles believes was the most memorable game for Pace this season.
The game against Milton was so memorable because as the Senior class, we have never had our Freshman, JV, and Varsity team all beat Milton in the same season, and winning that game really just closed our great year out with a bang. We had so much support from our students, and it paid off with a win.
As previously mentioned, Stiles served as one of Pace’s top offensive linemen that blocked for one of Florida’s best rushing attacks. For context, Pace High School recorded 417 carries for 2,531 rushing yards, 38 rushing touchdowns, and 6.1 YPC. Likewise, Simmons and Tyner had fantastic sophomore seasons with rushing the football. Simmons actually led Pace with 189 carries for 926 rushing yards and 22 rushing touchdowns, while Tyner recorded 121 carries for 707 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns.
“If you don’t get the spot you want, work harder, don’t quit and the weight room is important, even if you don’t think so.” Stiles advised for younger teamates.
PEN TO PAPER✍️@minersports @Coach_Jiannoni @CoachOeser @coachball_FB @CoachSurrattMST pic.twitter.com/8CgpOOXUbj
— Nick Stiles (@NickStiles17) December 11, 2022