BRANSON — For Ozark sophomore defensive lineman Ruben Arvizu, 1-6 Ozark versus 1-6 Branson became 61 against 61.
Arvizu, sporting uniform number 61 for the Tigers, was bound and determined to gain the upper hand Friday on his counterpart, Branson offensive lineman Luke Transeau, wearing 61 for the Pirates.
“I was watching film and saw he is a 61 too,” Arvizu said of Ozark’s pre-game preparation for the Pirates. “I was like, 'Let's see what will happen and who is the better 61.’”
“Ruben was the better 61,” Ozark linebacker Cooper Buvid ruled emphatially.
Arvizu amassed a quarterback sack and a tackle for a loss as Ozark’s defense ascended from recent beatdowns to highlight Tigers’ 28-7 triumph.
Ozark’s defense picked off two passes and recovered a fumble. Branson’s lone score was set up by a Tigers fumble during a kickoff return to start the second half.
All this from an Ozark defense that has allowed 40 points or more in five games this season and over Weeks Five, Six and Seven yielded 167 points.
“They got better throughout the night, coach Chad Depee said of his defense. "After our special team oops coming out of the second half, it was big multiple times in the second half to get (Branson) off the chains. They can bleed you for four or five yards (a play). We started to get faster, a little more downhill and physical throughout the second half. That made a big difference.”
Depee noted the defense received a mighty lift from Arvizu and linebacker Parker Elliott.
"Those two kids had a really good night,” Depee said. “Those are two sophomores we're talking about. The more reps they get and better understanding they get and the more confidence they get in their own reads, you can see them getting better and better.”
Arvizu has already made monumental strides since arriving in Ozark from San Diego only 15 months ago.
“I didn't do any of the summer (conditioning or camps) before my freshman year,” Arvizu said of his move to Ozark. “I came in one week before 'Dead Week.’”
“He came in and said, ‘Hey I'm Ruben and I just moved here,’” Depee said. “He was all business and quickly fit in with the group. He picked up on what we were doing and hasn't looked back. He’s plugged in just like he's been a lifer here and is a great teammate.
“He’s a great kid and a serious kid,” Depee added. “He takes competition seriously. He's serious in the weight room, serious on the practice field and serious about getting better. I'm awful proud of him. We're looking forward to seeing him develop and excited for his future.”
"No one is going to outwork Ruben,” Buvid said. “He’s going to do the best he can to beat everybody. He has stepped up when we needed him.”
“He was about half the size he is now when he first got here,” linebacker Gage Depee said of Arvizu. “He’s probably grown six inches and put on 25 pounds. The weight room has changed him and is why he is as good as he is now.”
Arvizu reports he has found a home.
“Everyone is close here,” he said. “I like Ozark, it's better than (San Diego).”
Gage Depee feels it says much about Ozark’s character and resilience that the defensive huddle has been full of encouragement throughout some trying times this season.
“We're a close group and through thick or thin, no matter what we're going to go through it together,” said Depee, who had a fumble recovery “It's made us stronger. I wouldn't want a different team. No matter what our record is, I love this team.”
“We’re good about keeping each up and going,” Buvid said.
Ozark moved to 2-6 entering Backyard Brawl Week, while Branson dropped to 1-7.
Jace Whatley and Sam Clark accounted for Ozark’s interceptions.
Ozark’s offense kept the Tigers’ spirits high Friday by consistently moving the ball and putting together a 75-yard scoring drive following Branson’s third quarter touchdown.
”It's critical to answer when anything happens that causes a sudden change of sorts,” Chad Depee said. “By no means did we want them to gain any more momentum.”
Ozark’s scoring included a 36-yard touchdown run by Jake Kronebusch, a pair of quarterback sneaks by Brady Dodd and a 20-yard touchdown pass from Dodd to Whatley.
