One presumed reason Neosho's passing game primarily went to screen passes against Ozark last week was Jacob Kronebusch.
The Tigers defensive end was consistently exhibiting a strong pass-rush in the first half. He gained a quarterback sack and forced Neosho signal-caller Quenton Hughes into repeated hurries.
On a night in which Ozark's defense was burned for nine touchdowns, Kronebusch's pass-rush stood out.
"I'm a little bit under-sized as a defensive end, but (assistant coach Kyle Schenker) has taught me some good pass-rush moves that I've worked on and like to use," the 6-foot-1, 210-pound Kronebusch said. "If I feel like I can overpower (the defender) and get him on his heels, I will try to bull-rush him. Usually, I try to use my speed and get off the ball quicker than he can."
In addition to going to screen passes, Neosho also adjusted to Kronebusch by double-teaming him.
"That's just football," he said of drawing a double-team.
"He's a tough, physical kid and very athletic," Ozark coach Chad Depee said. "(Opponents) better pay attention to him."
Kronebusch is having a strong senior season on both offense and defense. At running back, he entered last week's action with team-highs of 270 yards rushing and 6.5 yards a carry.
"I love them both," Kronebusch said of playing offense and defense. "It's two completely different worlds. I've always loved defense, that's my style. I love to go hit somebody. Offense is fun, a little more technical, though."
"He gives us everything he has," Depee said. "He does a wonderful job on both sides. We key on him to be a cog in our wheel on both sides."
Kronebusch missed all of his junior season a year ago with a broken collarbone. Thus, he's been grateful he's been healthy to play this season and has savored each and every Friday night.
"I've known that since the first snap of the first game," he said. "This is my last go-around. High school football, it's going to be hard to leave it. You just have to give it everything you've got while you can."
