By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
A simple formula has helped Ozark ascend into one of the area’s top programs.
The key for the Tigers: desire and commitment.
“The players work year-round playing for club and school while their families do a great job facilitating home and travel environments that harbor these guys into the best players possible,” said Ozark coach Zack Owens. “Tom Davidson did a wonderful job getting the youth programs going in Ozark before me and I have tried to not only keep that going but build upon it.”
Since 2018, the Tigers have won three district titles and finished with 20 or more wins three times.
“The program could not be what it is without consistency and the desire to do well,” Owens said. “We have begun to see what it takes to be a strong program and we are blessed because the players have completely bought in.”
Ozark seems well equipped for another strong season in 2023. The Tigers welcome back the majority of their varsity roster from last year’s 23-win team, with talent and club pedigrees up and down the roster.
On the field, the Tigers could have about 13 seniors playing varsity minutes. Behind them, several underclassmen are eager for their opportunity.
Many of Ozark’s players won a national championship over the summer with their club team in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL).
Ozark’s depth means lots of competition for playing time.
“We always have high expectations, and nothing will change in that mentality,” said Owens, who enters his fourth season as head coach. “With so many seniors, we also have underclassmen wanting to make a name for themselves so the competition for playing time will be fierce and only make us stronger.”
Ozark’s biggest strength may be on the defensive end, where the Tigers return their entire backline.
Seniors Caden McGehee, August McComas, Connor Cummings and Jake Garner all started as juniors. During the second half of last season (Sept. 20 onward), Ozark held opponents to one or fewer goals in 15 of 18 matches.
“Caden is a big-body defender with experience who will use his skillset and knowledge in a big and positive way,” Owens said. “Jake’s height and speed will be a benefit for us in the attack and on set pieces. He is a vocal person that will help guide our build up out of the back.”
McComas and Cummings, who were named all-conference a year ago, bring speed and physicality to Ozark’s defense.
“August is the fastest guy on our team and is able to chase down players at an incredible speed,” Owens said. “Connor will be a vocal leader on our backline. He is the most physical presence in the back and does not shy away from contact.”
Ozark has an array of options in the midfield, starting with seniors and returning all-conference players Caleb Lepant and Phin Scott.
Scott, who had eight goals and 10 assists a year ago, will miss the early part of the season as he recovers from shoulder surgery.
“Once he is back, our midfield will be much stronger and more dominant,” Owens said. “He is one of our players that can play almost anywhere on the field.”
Lepant is one of the team’s top playmakers. He had nine goals and 16 assists last season, earning all-region honors as well.
“He’s probably our most dynamic offensive player. We are excited to see Caleb bring his tenacity to the high school season and power our attack,” Owens said.
Seniors Wyatt Trobaugh and Grant Ogle (10 goals) bring more speed and scoring potential to the midfield.
“Wyatt will help us out on the offensive side with his speed and ability to take players on,” Owens said. “He finds himself on the wing for us mostly but can also play in the back when needed.
“Grant will be looking to add on to his numbers this year. He plays mostly on the wing for us, utilizing his speed.”
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Ozark could also receive a boost if midfielder Jason Martin returns for his senior season.
“We’re unsure if he’ll be able to play, but he’s worth mentioning because of his role within our team,” Owens said. “He is that player you want on your team because you absolutely hate playing against him. I think he likes playing the “bad guy” for us on the field. He would be a huge help for us offensively and defensively.”
Seniors Zach Ulrich and Jack Bertoldie, along with junior Micah Thrasher, round out a loaded position group. All three contribute in different ways.
“Zach does not make many mistakes while on the field. He has good vision and is intelligent with the ball,” Owens said. “Jack can play any midfield spot and will be a big help to the team. He has good vision and sees the field well.
“Micah is one of the toughest players on the team. He has a no-quit attitude and is always demanding the best out of himself.”
Logan Morey gives Ozark another offensive piece to utilize and brings an aggressive mindset to the field.
“Logan has speed and physicality,” Owens said. “He is not afraid to take people one-on-one and go to goal.”
Junior forward Alex Williams aims to breakout on the varsity level after an injury-riddled sophomore season.
“Alex will be a force to be reckoned with in the offensive third of the field just by his sheer size,” Owens said. “With the foot skills and attacking awareness he has added, he can be a threat every match.”
One of the few unknowns for Ozark is at goalkeeper, where the Tigers must find a new starter.
Senior Deagoh Soto could emerge as the initial starter. He’s the only player on Ozark with varsity experience in the net.
“Deagoh is our most athletic option at this position,” Owens said. “He has great reaction time and a huge foot. Possibly the strongest part of his game is his kicking ability.”
Lineups could vary week-to-week, or even game-to-game, Owens said.
“We should have a strong attack this season paired up with a backline that started four juniors last year,” he said. “Our team will have experience and grit, which I think will be huge for us down the stretch.”
Ozark had one of the best seasons in program history a year ago, finishing 23-5 overall and going undefeated (9-0) in conference play. In a testament to Ozark’s depth, the JV squad finished 17-5-1 overall.
Ozark’s 2023 season would end with a 2-1 loss to Kickapoo in the district title game. Ozark got there by defeating Nixa 2-1 in double overtime in the semifinal round.
The Tigers accomplished all that despite a relatively young roster. Ozark graduated just two seniors: forward Adrian Ortega and goalkeeper Trevor Carlton.
Both were standout performers and earned all-state honors in their senior seasons.
Ortega set Ozark’s single-season goals record (33) while Carlton led the defense.
The Tigers will also be without junior Ben Long, who suffered a season-ending injury over the summer. Long was expected to fill a utility-type role.
Ozark has no shortage of younger options looking to earn playing time on the varsity level.
Several names from Ozark’s 17-win JV squad could be in the fold, including juniors Landon Morrow (defender) and Nick Psarev (goalkeeper/utility).
“Landon had worked very hard on his defensive skillset and confidence with the ball and it shows,” Owens said. “This season will be big for him to learn the ropes fully and captain that spot the following season.
“Nick has the best hands out of our goalies and usually catches cleanly,” Owens said. “He is also technical and makes great decisions.”
A deep sophomore class provides a glimpse of the future but could also crack the varsity rotation in 2023.
Simon Yates, a forward, earned varsity playing time as a freshman. Yates has a knack for making good things happen around goal.
“Just through his sheer will,” Owens said. “He had a good club season where he (did) not play in the same spaces he will with the high school team, however, his knowledge of the game is continuing to grow and will help him a ton.”
In the midfield, James Nemeti and Brady Schupp will look to supplement Ozark’s starters.
“Brady is an up-and-comer for us who will find varsity time this season based on his attitude and good decision making on the field,” Owens said. “James has grown physically since last season and it shows. His speed and strength has become a weapon for him.”
Luke Stanton will look to fill an offensive role in the midfield or forward spots.
“Luke brings great footwork and skill to the team,” Owens said. “He will be looking to help out on the varsity side as much as possible and net some goals for us in the process.”
In the back, Jesse Lepant and Seth Peeples will continue to develop in a deep unit of defenders.
“Jesse comes with a good attitude and desire to play well. He is coachable and always looking to get better,” Owens said. “Seth is a very speedy and quick defender. He will be working to grow his game and learn from the older defensive players this season, so he is ready to make a name for himself in the years to come.”
Goalkeeper Carson Sandgren showed significant development during offseason training.
“Carson might be the best technically sound option we have at goalkeeper,” Owens said. “His 1v1 defense is amazing and one of the best I have seen in the high school game. He worked very hard in the offseason working with goalie coaches and it is really starting to show.”
Freshman Ian Soto will be a rookie to watch. The undersized midfielder holds advanced technical skills and soccer IQ for his age.
“He’s a move-in and will be an immediate help to our team,” Owens said.
Ozark begins the regular season Aug. 25 at Capital City, followed by a home match the next afternoon against Belton. The Tigers will also have regular season matches against out-of-area competition like Helias Catholic (Aug. 31) and Chaminade (Sept. 16).
“We have set ourselves up for a strong schedule and expect that to make us dangerous heading into the postseason,” Owens said.
Ozark will participate in a four-team jamboree on Friday, Aug. 18. The Tigers will scrimmage against Parkview, Republic and the host school, Central.
