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By Nolan Epstein (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
If there was any remote speculation of Ozark suffering a hangover effect against Neosho following its dramatic victory over state-ranked Carthage last week, that issue was put to rest fairly quickly on Friday.
Thanks to a impressive showing by the Tigers’ offense and perhaps an even better performance by their defensive unit, ninth-ranked Ozark (2-0) rolled to a loud 38-7 win over the Wildcats (0-2) in the home opener for the Tigers.
“They executed, they were efficient,” Ozark head coach Chad Depee said of his team’s offensive success. “We tried to stay within ourselves and I thought the kids did a good job. We ran the ball well, had a couple of opportunities to throw the ball, and the kids executed that.”
Tigers senior signal caller Danny Carr was one of the vital pieces of the roaring Ozark engine – passing for 114 yards and two touchdowns in the win – but his most commendable moment of the night didn’t occur during game time.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE GAME
Minutes after the victory was officially locked down and the teams prepared to head for their respective locker rooms, Carr was insistent on bringing his entire offensive line with him for his postgame interview.
After all, it makes perfect sense – considering Carr’s protection up front also helped Ozark rush for 248 yards and collect nearly 40 points in 48 minutes.
“They’re the heart of the team,” said Carr of his offensive linemen as they stood beside him following the game. “They’re the reason why we put up 38 points. They’re the whole purpose of this team.”
The first Ozark drive of the game seemed to emanate an ominous vibe, however, as the Tigers fumbled on their own 41-yard line nearly five minutes in. But instead of caving, Depee’s squad dug deep and zoned in – causing Neosho to turn the ball over on downs on its ensuing possession and ultimately sparking the offensive fireworks.
“I don’t really like those kind of wake-up calls,” a chuckling Depee said of the fumble. “It was great to see the kids respond in regards to getting a stop, righting the ship and start moving forward.”
Ozark’s first score came at the 1:55 mark of the first quarter when Carr connected with wide receiver Trent Riggs for a clutch 27-yard touchdown on 4th and 11 to give the Tigers a 7-0 advantage.
“I’m honestly just glad that I can be the guy that my coaches count on to make that play,” said Riggs, who also added a 24-yard TD catch in the third. “In a fourth-down situation, we had so many options; run the ball up the middle, to the outside, but they went with me and it worked.”
As the Tigers also saw scores from senior running backs Nathaniel Burlage, Preston Carson and Tristen Moreno, Ozark made its mark on the other side of the ball – holding the Wildcats to 152 yards of total offense and scoreless until the final minute of the game.
“Our defense did outstanding tonight,” Carr added. “Brock Herrold, Joe Satterly, Blake Andela, Preston Carson, I can name them all. They did amazing.”
The Tigers, playing without injured starters Curt Gracey and Bradley Bonewell, will look to keep building momentum when they travel to play Carl Junction next Friday, while Neosho gets ready to host Willard in its home opener.
Ozark 38, Neosho 7
Neosho 0-0-0-7 – 7
Ozark 7-17-7-7 – 38
First quarter
Ozark – Riggs 27 catch from Carr (Doss kick)
Second quarter
Ozark – Burlage 11 run (Doss kick)
Ozark – Carson 3 run (Doss kick)
Ozark – Doss 36 field goal
Third quarter
Ozark – Riggs 24 catch from Carr (Doss kick)
Fourth quarter
Ozark – Moreno 6 run (Doss kick)
Neosho – Kelly 8 run (Camerer kick)
