By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Ozark enters its eighth season under Chad Depee following a 3-7 campaign in 2021. But, don’t let the record fool you, the Tigers have some momentum heading into the fall after winning two of its last three entering district play.
Aside from those wins, Ozark went toe-to-toe with Webb City and Nixa on the road, showing some fire they hope to carry over into 2022.
“That group overcame several obstacles early in the year,” said Depee. “They were very resilient. The group got better and better as the year progressed. They were in some big games in the second half of the year that folks may or may not have given them a fighting chance. They created a great atmosphere in the locker room and were a close group. They practiced hard and played hard for us. The seniors that graduated off that team will be missed this year.
“We will miss our seniors for sure. Every year that leaves opportunity for others to grab ahold of their chance to step up and contribute. We have several guys waiting to take their shot at Friday night lights.”
Back at quarterback for Ozark is senior Brady Dodd, who started nine games in 2021, passing for 895 yards and rushing for 412 more with 16 total touchdowns.
“He runs our offense very well,” said Depee. “He got an opportunity to get a majority of the snaps last year which I believe will be advantageous for him as he enters his senior year.”
He will have plenty of weapons with junior Jace Whatley (6-5, 190) back at receiver and a trio of running backs in senior Kadin Powers and Ethan Sutherland, as well as junior Jack Bowers, back in the fold.
Whatley – also a standout basketball player – turned 21 receptions into 458 yards. Bowers returns after rushing for 451 yards as a sophomore.
Seniors Peyton Greer and Hudson Kissee will look to lead an offensive line that has some pockets of inexperience. Classmates Season Collins (6-3, 250), Michael Yermakovich (6-2, 270), Luke Neely (5-11, 240), Barrett Abrams and Brody Mooney are in the offensive line conversations, as well as junior Jrayen Jenkins and sophomores Caden Painter, Logan Smith and Collin Cook.
Senior safety Garrett Ballard returns after recording 65 tackles and five interceptions in 2021. He will lead a unit that has the makings to be one of the top in the COC.
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Brock Dodd is also back at safety after starting last year (35 tackles, 2 INTs). The linebacking corps returns several key pieces with senior Cooper Buvid (45 tackles), alongside juniors Gage Depee (49 tackles) and Whatley (27 tackles).
“Garrett is athletic and has a nose for the football,” said Depee. “He will build on a successful junior year as we head into the fall. We have high expectations for Garrett as a returning starter and senior.
“We also look forward to seeing a majority of our linebacker core back. The experience that these guys gained last year will be very valuable for us this year.”
Seniors Jacob Kronebush and Hudson Kissee are expected to make an impact on the defensive line, but could see offensive action as well. Junior Jake Hubbard will find his way to the secondary again while also seeing snaps at receiver.
Other newcomers that will compete for reps are seniors Elijah Orris (OLB/WR) and Mason Highley (RB), juniors Frankie Munoz (OLB), Karson Johnson (DB) and Nick Rohrbaugh (WR), as well as sophomores Parker Elliot (LB/RB), Sam Clark (DB/WR) and several others.
Ozark hasn’t won a district championship since 2012 but with the Tigers’ end to 2021, there is a buzz heading into the fall. There isn’t a more brutal league in Missouri than the COC but Depee believes putting emphasis on consistent growth will help the Tigers have the kind of season they expect.
“Our expectations are to focus on us each week,” said Depee. “Focus on our standards. Focus on the things that we can control, our attitude and effort and preparation. There are no easy weeks in our schedule. That’s the beauty of the COC. We will be challenged each week to be the best version of us.
“It’s important to start well. We need to get that home opener. However, just as important, we must also continually improve week to week so that we are playing our best ball in November.”
Ozark will jamboree at Nixa with Kickapoo before hosting Carl Junction on Aug. 26 to open the 2022 regular season.
