Bob Foos
The Webb City Cardinals had to come from behind Friday at Ozark before they defeated the Tigers 21-18.
Although Webb City moved the ball well, fumbles stopped two Cardinal drives in the first quarter. Meanwhile, Webb City’s defense forced Ozark to punt – six times in the whole game.
It wasn’t until 3:44 left in the half that Webb City got on the scoreboard with Drake Claborn’s 1-yard rush. The touchdown was set up by a 35-yard run by Abel Getz, in his first game of the season. A horse-collar penalty on that play moved the ball even closer to the end zone.
Ozark scored a field goal in the third quarter.
And then, what Webb City fans would call a fluke, happened as Ozark quarterback Caden O’Donnell’s pass bounced off the fingertips of two Cardinal backs into the hands of Hendrix Haymes for a 77-yard touchdown pass. That near-interception play gave Ozark a 10-7 lead with only 5:30 left in the fourth quarter.
The Cardinals responded with a 10-play, 84-yard drive. Getz and Claborn split the number of plays, as Getz’ fifth carry was for 18 yards into the end zone for a 14-10 lead.
Only 1 minute and 11 seconds later, Barek Hoffman was running into the end zone with pick-6 for the Cardinals’ fourth touchdown and a 21-10 lead.
The Tigers then ended a 54-yard drive in 11 plays with a 7-yard touchdown pass and a 2-point conversion.
Getz led all rushers with 129 yards on 16 carries. Claborn got 89 yards on his 14 carries.
Ozark’s Braxton Bell was called the most, carrying 22 times for 96 yards.
Ethan Keller led the defense with 8 tackles, 5 unassisted. Hoffman and Braylen Coleman both added 6 tackles, and River Lenker had 5.
Nixa’s here Friday
Two 3-0 teams, Webb City and Nixa will meet Friday at Cardinal Stadium.
The Eagles, at home last week, defeated Republic 49-6.
