JOPLIN — Ozark was shut out Friday for the first time four years, as the Tigers bowed to Joplin 28-0.
Ozark’s offense never made it to the red zone. The Tigers punted seven times among their 11 possessions. They had three offensive series end on fourth-down stops and turned the ball over once on an interception.
Ozark (1-2) totaled 132 yards on offense. The Tigers rushed 29 times for 87 yards.
Joplin played without injured running back Quin Renfro, injured quarterback Hobbs Gooch and injured defensive lineman Dontrell Holt.
The Eagles also had to shake off 10 penalties on their way to posting a touchdown in the first and second quarters and two TDs in the fourth quarter.
Wide receiver Davin Thomas broke loose for a 73-yard touchdown catch in the final minute of the first half.
Joplin’s fourth quarter scores were set up by a blocked punt and an interception.
Joplin (3-0) sits atop the COC with Nixa (3-0).
Ozark was last shut out 65-0 by Webb City in 2019.
