WEBB CITY — A spirited first-half defensive effort by Ozark went for naught Friday, as the Tigers suffered a 38-0 setback at the hands of Webb City.
Ozark forced and recovered two Cardinals fumbles in the first half, as the Tigers trailed by only a 7-0 count entering the final minute of the second quarter.
But Webb City scored on the final play of the first half, setting the tone for the second half.
The Cardinals' late first-half score was aided by the scoreboard operator twice erroneously stopping the clock on Ozark pass completions that stayed in-bounds during the Tigers' prior possession. After both completions, the clock didn't re-start until the ensuing snap, ultimately giving Webb City's offense an extra minute to work with.
The Cardinals went on to finish with 309 yards rushing and 198 passing.
The turbo clock was in effect for the final 10 minutes.
Ozark running back Jack Bowers and offensive lineman Logan Smith were added to the Tigers’ list of injured starters. Neither suited up. Bowers has a meniscus injury.
Webb City (4-1) played without its top three running backs.
Ozark (1-4) totaled five first downs while being held to 16 yards rushing on 18 carries.
Quarterback Peyton Russell was 11-of-16 passing for 62 yards, with one interception. Sam Clark hauled in three passes for 24 yards.
The Tigers' biggest offensive play on the night was a 12-yard pass from Russell to Clark.
Ozark’s only scoring opportunity saw Clark’s 29-yard field goal attempt bounce off an upright.
Clark averaged 38.4 yards on his seven punts.
The Tigers’ defense received a stellar effort from linebacker Frankie Munoz. He collected nine solo stops, including one TFL, and a fumble recovery.
Linebacker Parker Elliott and cornerback Tagen Scott each had one TFL and one sack. Safety Peyton Bullinger was in on seven tackles.
Ozark has lost 23 of 24 games with Webb City all-time.
