Ozark’s upset attempt of Joplin fell short 29-22 Friday, as the Tigers weren’t able to contain the Eagles’ passing game in the fourth quarter.
Ozark let a 22-14 lead slip away over the final 10 minutes.
Joplin quarterback Hobbs Gooch teamed with wide receiver Devin Thomas for a winning 50-yard touchdown pass with 2:19 remaining to break a 22-all tie.
Earlier in the final quarter, Gooch hit Terrance Gibson for a 43-yard touchdown pass on 4th-and-7 and Ozark leading 22-14.
The Tigers led on the strength of two touchdown runs by running back Gage Depee and a 26-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Brady Dodd to wideout Garrett Ballard.
Dodd completed 11-of-14 passes for 124 yards.
Dpee ran 17 times for 68 yards and Jacob Kronebusch carried the ball 10 times for 63 yards.
