The seventh annual All-O-Zone Top 44 Football Team is here.

This team is different than other teams in that we are selecting the top 44 players in the Ozarks regardless of position and placing them on a First 11, Second 11, Third 11 and Fourth 11. This leaves room for multiple players from the same position without having to force a team together based solely on positions and allows us to evaluate players for what they did on both sides of the ball.

To get to these final 44 we used coach nominations and observations along with staff observations throughout the season. In addition, stats, postseason honors and team success played a big role in helping us identify the Top 44 players in the Ozarks from the thousands that played this season.

2020 All-O-Zone Football Team – CLICK HERE
2019 All-O-Zone Football Team – CLICK HERE
2018 All-O-Zone Football Team – CLICK HERE
2017 All-O-Zone Football Team – CLICK HERE
2016 All-O-Zone Football Team – CLICK HERE

NAMES ARE IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER OUTSIDE OF THE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Luke Gall, Carthage (Player of the Year)

Stats: 166 carries, 1,902 yards, 29 TD; 88 tackles, 15 TFL, 6 sacks
Honors: Class 5 Offensive Player of the Year; Class 5 First-Team All-State RB; Class 5 Region Offensive & Defensive POY; Class 5 First-Team Region RB & LB; COC Offensive POY & Co-DPOY; First-Team COC RB (U) & LB (U)

Gall as the Player of the Year was an easy decision. He was a dominant force both ways for the COC champion Carthage Tigers. Offensively, he rushed for 1,902 yards and 29 touchdowns averaging 11.5 yards per carry playing in one of the state’s best football conferences. Those 1,902 yards were enough to lead the area in rushing yards. His 11.5 yards per carry were No. 2 in the area for any running back who rushed for at least 1,000 yards. Those numbers alone would have been enough for a Top 11 selection, but he also got it done defensively. Gall had 88 tackles, 15 tackles for a loss and 6 sacks from his linebacker position. He was named COC Offensive and Co-Defensive Player of the Year along with the Class 5 Region Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year. Gall finished off his accolades being named Class 5 Offensive Player of the Year.

Buddy Belcher, Webb City

Honors: Class 5 First-Team All-State OL; Class 5 First-Team Region OL (U); First-Team COC OL (U)

The Class 5 state champion Webb City Cardinals always get it done on the ground and this year was no different. The Cardinals had 563 carries for 3,708 yards and 62 touchdowns good for 6.6 yards per carry. Buddy Belcher was at the literal center of much of that success. The 5’11, 235-pound senior center was instrumental in the Cardinals turning things around from a 4-3 start to a 7-0 finish and Class 5 state championship. He was named Class 5 First-Team All-State while being a unanimous first-team selection to both the all-region and COC teams. Defensively, Belcher contributed 35 total tackles with 7 tackles for a loss.

Kael Combs, Nixa

Stats: 44 receptions, 842 yards, 11 TD
Honors: Class 6 Second-Team All-State WR; Class 6 First-Team Region WR (U); First-Team COC WR (U)

Combs returned to the football field for the first time since middle school and quickly caught the attention of opposing defenses, fans and college recruiters. He hauled 44 receptions for 842 yards and 11 touchdowns in his first significant football action in several years. He parlayed that into a Class 6 second-team all-state selection. Combs was already a highly-recruited basketball athlete and now the football programs have come calling. He currently holds offers from both Missouri State football and men’s basketball. It will be exciting to see what his senior year will bring after getting a season of high school football under his belt.

Dagen Kenslow, West Plains

Stats: 119 completions, 2,174 yards, 33 TD, 2 INT; 120 carries, 1,184 yards, 9 TD
Honors: Class 4 Third-Team All-State QB; Class 4 Region Offensive POY; Class 4 First-Team Region QB (U); Ozark Conference Offensive POY; First-Team Ozark Conference QB

Kenslow was one of the area’s top offensive weapons running the West Plains offense. He threw for 2,174 yards and rushed for another 1,184 yards for more than 3,300 yards of offense and a combined 42 touchdowns. The most impressive stat might be his 33 passing touchdowns to just two interceptions; an incredible 16.5-1 touchdown-interception ratio. He also had 23 tackles on defense. Kenslow was named third-team all-state at quarterback along with the Class 4 Region and Ozark Conference Offensive Player of the Year.

Connor Lair, West Plains

Stats: 87 carries, 720 yards, 20 TD; 22 receptions, 539 yards, 7 TD; 24 solo tackles, 90 total tackles, 21.5 TFL, 10.5 sacks; 4 INT, 3 FF, 3 FR
Honors: Class 4 Second-Team All-State DE; Class 4 First-Team Region RB (U) & LB (U); Ozark Conference First-Team Region RB (U) & LB

I could use a lot of words to tell you how good Connor Lair was as a two-way player for West Plains, but it is better to show. Watch the first play in the video above to truly appreciate the physicality and motor Lair brings to the football field. He had 1,259 yards from scrimmage and 27 touchdowns on offense. Defensively, Lair had 90 total tackles including 10.5 sacks and 21.5 tackles for a loss. He also picked off four passes and forced and recovered three fumbles. He will be a name the area will get to follow the next four years as he heads to Missouri State next fall.

Micah Lindsey, Carthage

Stats: 91 tackles, 27 TFL, 11 sacks
Honors: Class 5 Second-Team All-State DL; Class 5 First-Team Region DL; Co-COC DPOY; First-Team COC DL (U)

Lindsey is a 6’1. 240-pound wrecking ball on the defensive line. He brings strength and athleticism to his defensive tackle position that allowed him to pull down 91 tackles including 27 tackles for a loss and 11 sacks on the season. He was named Co-Defensive Player of the Year in the COC. He is another junior on this list that is poised for a huge senior season.

Cooper Roy, Glendale

Stats: 93 total tackles, 6 TFL, 25 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries
Honors: Class 5 Third-Team All-State DE; Class 5 First-Team Region DE (U), Ozark Conference Co-DPOY; First-Team Ozark Conference DE

Roy is known for his prowess getting to the quarterback. Last year, he set a state record with 26 sacks. This year, Roy added another 25 sacks bringing his career total to a state record 59, which is 17 better than second place. He is much more than a sack artist though. He was strong in coverage this year too. Watch the first several plays of his highlight above, but specifically the third play where he jumps a route for a pick-six. He was the Co-Defensive Player of the Year in the Ozark Conference and a third-team all-state defensive end.

Kody Stacye, Fair Grove

Stats: 114 completions, 1,886 yards, 31 TD-3 INT; 128 carries, 1,274 yards, 17 TD; 3 punt return TD
Honors: Class 2 First-Team All-State Athlete; Class 2 Region Offensive Player of the Year; Class 2 First-Team Region QB; Mid-Lakes Conference OPOY; First-Team MLC QB & Returner

Kody Stacye was a highlight waiting to happen every time he touched the ball. He threw for 1,886 yards and 31 touchdowns while rushing for another 1,274 yards and 17 touchdowns bringing his total from scrimmage to 3,160 yards and 47 touchdowns. He was also accurate throwing the ball with a 31-3 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Stacye was also dynamic in the return game with three punt returns for touchdowns. He was named Class 2 First-Team All-State as an athlete along with the Class 2 Region and Mid-Lakes Conference Player of the Year.

Austin Wilkerson, Lamar

Stats: 63 carries, 833 yards, 13 TD; 7 receptions, 185 yards, 2 TD; 111 tackles, 10 TFL, 5 INT, 4 PBU
Honors: Class 2 Defensive Player of the Year; Class 2 First-Team All-State DB; Class 2 Region Defensive POY; Class 2 First-Team Region RB & DB; Big 8 West DPOY; First-Team Big 8 West DB (U) & Second-Team RB

Wilkerson was a game-changer for Lamar on both sides of the ball, but it was defense where he made his presence known the most. He pulled down 111 total tackles with 10 tackles for a loss and five interceptions on his way to being named the Class 2 Defensive Player of the Year. He added on Class 2 Region and Big 8 West Defensive Player of the Year honors as well. Offensively, Wilkerson took 63 carries for 833 yards and 13 touchdowns averaging 13.2 yards per carry.

Tristan Wilson, Lebanon

Honors: Class 5 First-Team All-State OL; Class 5 First-Team Region OL; First-Team Ozark Conference OL (U)
Wilson, the area’s highest rated recruit, signed with Mizzou and you only need to watch a few plays in the tape above to see why. He is a 6’5, 295-pound force of nature who helped pave the way for a Lebanon team that controlled other teams with the ground game producing not one but two 1,000-yard rushers. He will hope to follow in the footsteps of fellow Lebanon native Justin Britt who went to Mizzou and then the NFL.

Always Wright, Joplin

Stats: 175 completions, 2,212 yards, 25 TD; 58 carries, 486 yards, 9 TD
Honors: Class 6 Second-Team All-State Athlete; Class 6 Region Offensive Player of the Year (U); First-Team Region QB; First-Team COC QB

Always Wright was one of the area’s top quarterbacks with 2,212 yards passing for 25 touchdowns. The yardage was good enough for the fourth-most in the area this year. He completed 68% of his passes, and it wasn’t like he was throwing a ton of passes underneath either. Watch the first, third, fifth and sixth plays in the video above to appreciate the touch and accuracy he possesses. In the second and fourth plays he displays his scrambling ability. He was named second-team all-state as an athlete along with the Class 6 Region Player of the Year.

SECOND 11

Joel Beshore, Lamar

Stats: 117 completions, 1,537 yards, 18 TD; 184 carries, 1,264 yards, 14 TD; 41 tackles, 4 INT, 6 PBU
Honors: Class 2 Second-Team All-State QB; Class 2 First-Team Region Athlete & DB; First-Team Big 8 West DB (U) & Second-Team QB

Kyle Fritts, Fair Grove

Stats: 64 solo tackles, 35 assited tackles, 5 TFL, 6 sacks; 0 sacks allowed as an offensive lineman
Honors: Class 2 Second-Team All-State OL; Class 2 First-Team Region OL (U) & DL (U); First-Team MLC OL (U) & DL (U)

John Gholson, Nixa

Stats: 94 total tackles, 4 TFL, 1.5 sacks
Honors: Class 6 Second-Team All-State DL; Class 6 Co-Defensive Player of the Year; Class 6 First-Team Region DE; First-Team COC DE

Jaylon James, West Plains

Honors: Class 4 First-Team All-State OL; Class 4 First-Team Region OL (U); First-Team Ozark Conference OL (U)

Cole Martin, McDonald County

Stats: 127 completions, 2,024 passing yards, 23 TD; 149 carries, 1,015 yards, 17 TD; 83 tackles, 3 FF, 1 FR, 5 INT
Honors: Class 4 First-Team Region DB & Second-Team QB; Big 8 West OPOY; First-Team Big 8 West QB & DB (U)

Avious Steadman, Nevada

Stats: 154 carries, 1,831 yards, 23 TD; 18 receptions, 325 yards 4 TD
Honors: Class 4 Second-Team All-State RB; Class 4 First-Team Region RB (U) & Second-Team Returner; First-Team Big 8 West AP Back (U) & Returner (U)

Donovahn Watkins, Joplin

Stats: 52 total tackles, 5 TFL, 3 sacks
Honors: Class 6 First-Team All-State DL; Class 6 Region Co-Defensive Player of the Year, First-Team All-Region DT (U); First-Team COC DL

Caden Wiest, Reeds Spring

Stats: 12 carries, 73 yards, 2 TD; 35 receptions, 523 yards, 7 TD; 58 total tackles, 7 sacks, 5 TFL, 3 FF
Honors: Class 3 First-Team All-State TE; Class 3 First-Team Region TE (U) & Honorable Mention DE; First-Team Big 8 East TE & Second Team DE

Cade Wilson, Webb City

Stats: 211 carries, 1,556 yards, 27 TD
Honors: Class 5 Second-Team All-State RB; Class 5 First-Team Region RB (U), First-Team COC RB

Trace Willhite, Lamar

Stats: 31 carries, 586 yards, 7 TD; 6 receptions, 170 yards, 2 TD; 61 tackles, 5 sacks, 14 TFL
Honors: Class 2 First-Team All-State DE; Class 2 First-Team Region TE (U) & DE; First-Team Big 8 West TE & DE (U)

Jackson Willison, Thayer

Stats: 247 carries, 1,547 yards, 20 TD; 72 total tackles, 11 TFL, 6 sacks
Honors: Class 1 Second-Team All-State RB; Class 1 First-Team Region Running Back & Defensive End; First-Team SCA RB

THIRD 11

Lawson Beem, Skyline

Stats: 160 completions, 2,310 yards, 26 TD; 70 carries, 450 yards; 16 tackles, 5 INT on defense
Honors: Class 1 Third-Team All-State QB; Class 1 Region Offensive Player of the Year; Class 1 First-Team Region QB & Second-Team DB; First-Team MLC QB & DB

Logan Daniels, Fair Grove

Stats: 50 receptions, 1,011 yards, 14 TD; 4 INT; 2 punt return TD
Honors: Class 2 Second-Team All-State WR; Class 2 First-Team Region WR (U) & DB; First-Team MLC WR (U) & DB (U)

Ian Jackson, Aurora

Stats: 167 carries, 1,200 yards, 13 TD; 77 tackles, 7 TFL
Honors: Class 3 Second-Team All-State LB; First-Team All-Region RB (U) & LB; First-Team Big 8 East RB & LB

Garrett Lilienkamp, Carthage

Honors: Class 5 Second-Team All-State OL; Class 5 First-Team Region OL; First-Team COC OL (U)

Jason Lopez, West Plains

Stats: 34 solo tackles, 107 assisted tackles, 30 TFL, 5 sacks, 2 INT
Honors: Class 4 First-Team All-State LB; Class 4 Region Defensive POY; Class 4 First-Team Region LB (U); First-Team Ozark Conference LB

Logan Lybarger, Lebanon

Stats: 111 total tackles, 7 TFL, 4 sacks
Honors: Class 5 First-Team All-State LB; Class 5 First-Team Region LB; Ozark Conference Co-DPOY; First-Team Ozark Conference LB

Harrison Merriman, Monett

Stats: 50 solo tackles, 28 assisted tackles, 23 TFL, 7 sacks
Honors: Class 4 Second-Team All-State OL; Class 4 First-Team Region OL & Second-Team DL; First-Team Big 8 West OL & Second-Team DL

JJ O’Neal, Rogersville

Stats: 111 carries, 1,025 yards, 14 TD; 61 completions, 861 yards, 8 TD; 8 receptions, 139 yards; 24 tackles, 1 INT, 2 PBU; punter/returner
Honors: Class 4 Third-Team All-State Returner; Class 4 Region First-Team Returner & HM Quarterback; Big 8 East Offensive POY; First-Team Big 8 East QB & Returner & Second-Team Punter

Draven VanGilder, Joplin

Stats: 166 total tackles, 111 solo tackles, 5 TFL, 2 sacks (U)
Honors: Class 6 First-Team All-State LB; First-Team COC LB

Dakota Wilson, Marionville

Stats: 216 carries, 1,648 yards, 35 TD; 7 receptions, 113 yards; 69 total tackles, 8 TFL, 3 FR, 1 FF
Honors: Class 1 First-Team Region RB; Southwest Conference OPOY; First-Team Southwest Conference RB (U) & Honorable Mention LB

Griffin Willison, Thayer

Stats: 67 carries, 450 yards, 4 TD; 124 total tackles, 21 TFL
Honors: Class 1 First-Team All-State LB; Class 1 Region Defensive Player of the Year; Class 1 First-Team Region LB & Second-Team RB; First-Team SCA LB

FOURTH 11

Cooper Crouch, Webb City

Stats: 134 total tackles, 2 TFL
Honors: Class 5 First-Team All-State LB; Class 5 First-Team Region LB; First-Team COC LB

Aaron Fisher, Aurora

Stats: 127 carries, 625 yards, 10 TD; 25 completions, 343 yards, 4 TD; 103 tackles, 2 TFL; 5 INT, 11 PBU
Honors: Class 3 Third-Team All-State DB; Class 3 First-Team Region LB & Honorable Mention QB; Big 8 East Defensive POY; First-Team Big 8 East AP & DB

Jacob Lakey, Ava

Stats: 54 total tackles, 13 TFL, 8 sacks
Honors: Class 2 Second-Team All-State OL; Class 2 First-Team Region OL (U) & DL; SCA Co-Lineman of the Year; First-Team SCA OL

Jackson Marrs, Seneca

Stats: 209 carries, 1,383 yards, 17 TD; 116 tackles, 1 sack, 4 TFL
Honors: Class 3 Third-Team All-State Returner; Class 3 First-Team Region RB, LB & Returner; Second-Team Big 8 West RB, LB & Returner

Hunter Means, Mountain Grove

Stats: 76 total tackles, 15 TFL, 4 sacks
Honors: Class 3 Second-Team All-State DL; Class 3 First-Team Region OL & DL; First-Team SCA OL

Cade Muscia, Lebanon

Stats: 315 carries, 1,724 yards, 27 TD
Honors: Class 5 Third-Team All-State RB; Class 5 First-Team Region RB; First-Team Ozark Conference RB (U)

Liam O’Reilly, Catholic

Stats: 35 catches, 588 yards, 4 TD; 25 carries, 188 yards; 49 tackles, 5 TFL, 3 INT
Honors: Class 2 Third-Team All-State WR; Class 2 First-Team Region WR (U) & Second-Team DB; First-Team Big 8 East WR & Second-Team DB

Thomas Schulte, Nixa

Honors: Class 6 Second-Team All-State OL; Class 6 First-Team Region OL (U); First-Team COC OL

Spencer Skyles, Ava

Stats: 66 carries, 852 yards, 11 TD; 5 receptions, 133 yards; 24 total tackles, 4 INT
Honors: Class 2 First-Team All-State DB; Class 2 First-Team Region RB & DB; First-Team SCA RB

Dante Washington, Webb City

Stats: 28 receptions, 612 yards; 33 total tackles, 5 INT
Honors: Class 5 Second-Team All-State Returner; Class 5 First-Team Region WR & Returner; First-Team COC Returner & Second-Team WR

Zack Williams, Skyline

Stats: 55 receptions, 1,007 yards, 14 TD; 25 tackles, 3 INT, 1 defensive TD; 23-for-27 PAT
Honors: Class 1 First-Team All-State WR; Class 1 Region First-Team WR & Second-Team Kicker & DB; First-Team MLC WR (U), DB (U) & Punter