By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Jeremy Cordell is entering his second season at Ozark and has as experienced of a roster as the program has seen in some time.
Back are 12 full-time starters from last year’s 2-9 team, led by All-COC seniors Sam Clark, Ruben Arvizu and Parker Elliott.
Clark is one of the most dynamic weapons returning to the league, finishing his junior season with 57 receptions for 682 yards and four touchdowns. He added a pair of interceptions including a pick-6 defensively and is one of the best kickers in the Ozarks.
The receiving corps also returns senior Taygen Scott (6-3, 185) and a pair of sophomores in Jett Easley and Anthony Cordell, who both saw reps as freshmen.
Junior Peyton Russell (6-4, 185) returns at quarterback after throwing for 1,393 yards and six touchdowns. He didn’t throw an interception the final six games of the season.
Ozark will have plenty of experience up front with seniors Logan Smith (6-1, 285), Colin Cook (5-8, 245) and JT Cordell (5-10, 250) returning to anchor the line.
Classmate Jayden Washington (6-7, 315) will also join that unit after transitioning from the defensive line last year.
Junior Rory Banks (5-10, 170) and sophomore Seth Baker (5-8, 175) will be tasked with running behind that senior-laden offensive line.
The strength of the program will be the defense, with seven starters back in the fold, led by Elliott.
He finished his junior year with 136 tackles, earning All-State honors.
“Parker is our best football player along with Sam,” said Cordell. “He’s an absolute ball hawk with speed and physicality on the defensive side. He’s a college prospect.”
He’s joined by classmate Jordan Giles, who had 62 tackles in 2023.
Arvizu (6-0, 240) was an all-conference and all-district selection after totaling 45 tackles and six tackles for a loss, fellow senior Quentin Combs (6-2, 225) added 20 tackles. Classmate Landon Baldwin (6-2, 225) also returns and will transition to defense after being on the offensive line.
The secondary returns seniors Peyton Bullinger, Marcus Heavin, Brady Owens and Sterling Stine. Scott also saw a ton of reps defensively.
Bullinger (5-11, 175) was an all-district selection after finishing the 2023 season with 99 tackles, trailing only Elliott for team-high honors. Heavin had 43 stops and Owens added 17 with an interception as well.
“I’m looking forward to the senior leadership and experience on the defensive side this year,” said Cordell. “Bringing back seven starters with others who played significantly last year on the varsity level.”
Senior linebacker Sam Savich and senior safety Brycien Hoerner will both compete for varsity spots as well.
“We are very excited for Year 2. Football and life is all about improving daily. We have taken many strides as a culture and community the past year and we are ready to take the next steps. We have new facility additions.
“The COC is always tough/strong and the conference just became tougher and stronger with recent additions. The competition will be phenomenal, and iron will most definitely sharpen iron.”
Ozark will jamboree at Kickapoo with Nixa on Aug. 23 before opening the 2024 regular season on Aug. 30 by hosting rival Willard.
