Tigers can’t hold onto lead, suffer all-too familiar loss to Glendale

Published 10:35 pm Saturday, October 17, 2026

Close calls have been few and far between for Ozark in recent years, but have followed a familiar script.

The Tigers lost their sixth straight one-score decision over the past three seasons by dropping a 20-17 decision to Glendale on Friday.

Since Glendale joined the COC East in 2024, Ozark has lost three straight to the Falcons by a combined margin of five points.

Going back to 2021, the Tigers have engaged in a modest 10 games, out of 51 played, that resulted in a one-score final. They are 2-8 in such close contests.

Ozark (3-5 overall and 2-2 in the COC East) lost Friday despite being In control the great majority of the night, with running back Braxton Bell repeatedly running the ball and picking up first downs to keep Glendale’s high-powered offense off the field.

But a trio of turnovers in the second half sealed Ozark fate, after the Tigers never trailed in the first half.

Maclean Scott put Ozark ahead 3-0 at halftime with a 43-yard field goal in the first quarter.

Bell made it 10-7 with a four-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.

Midway through the fourth quarter, running back Kaiden Wirtmiller had a two-yard touchdown run to give the Tigers a 17-13 lead.

Glendale scored what proved to be the winning touchdown on fourth-and-goal from the Ozark one-yard line. Quarterback Ryder Spickard hit wide receiver Max Fuerbacher on a one-yard touchdown pass with 3:36 remaining.

Ozark wide receiver Jett Easley played sparingly due to an injured ankle.