WILLARD — A large smile unfold throughout Ray Godfrey on Friday, Sept. 4.
Ozark’s chief secured his first win as head coach with a 48-12 victory over Willard (1-1).
Godfrey celebrated together with his assistant coaches and embraced his gamers. For Godfrey, this second was by no means about him.
“I simply really feel nice for the children,” Godfrey stated. “God put me a chance to take over and the children got here out and did nice.”
Godfrey’s a coach that the gamers like to be round. He’s attentive, respectful and calls for the world of his workforce.
“He’s an awesome coach, I like him loads,” junior operating again Braxton Bell stated. “He helps us get by way of our errors and he’s prepared to guide us to a successful season.”
Bell had a breakout efficiency for Ozark (1-1). He burst to 2 dashing touchdowns within the win. Within the second quarter, Bell broke three tackles en path to the top zone. He broke away from one sort out, which triggered him to spin and he was off to the races.
“Once I hit the spin transfer and I took all of it the best way, that was my favourite one,” Bell stated. “I’m not the shiftiest man, so I stunned myself.”
Kaiden Wirtmiller, a junior operating again, additionally added two touchdowns. Jet Easley scored a brief dashing landing by way of a wildcat set, too.
Quarterback Caden O’Donnell tossed two touchdowns. On a damaged play, O’Donnell rolled away from strain and threw a towering go into the air. Large receiver Westin Samson rose above the Willard secondary. He caught the ball in site visitors for a 46-yard landing.
O’Donnell additionally threw a 10-yard landing go to Easley within the second half.
The tone was set early within the sport by Ozark’s defensive position. It’s a younger group with zero seniors, however they made their presence felt early.
Reed Vesely, Jameson Medina, Lincoln Jones, Jacob Beasley and Jordan Vogler all produced huge stops for Ozark’s protection.
“The defensive position has lots of depth,” Godfrey stated. “Coach (Sidney) Rone does an incredible job with them. It’s enjoyable to see them play.”
Ozark’s protection flew to the ball all night. They compelled 4 turnovers, which included three fumbles. Particular groups performed a significant position, too. On two events, Willard couldn't execute a clear punt, giving Ozark nice area place.
“These are issues that you simply work on and deal with,” Godfrey stated. “Once you see it come to fruition, it makes you wish to go and work at it much more.”
Willard’s opening landing got here within the first half. Quarterback Carlos Begay tossed a go excessive of Ozark’s secondary to Luke Thomas. Operating again James Slaughter added to Willard’s rating late within the fourth quarter.
Ozark loved a constructive night, with gamers showering Godfrey with love. When requested about his workforce’s appreciation in the direction of him, Godfrey ended with a fast joke.
“You would possibly ask them that at apply sometime,” Godfrey laughed. “They could not say that.”
Ozark hosts Webb Metropolis (2-0) on Friday, Sept. 11. Willard will journey to Glendale (0-2).
Liam Keating covers highschool sports activities and Missouri State athletics for The Springfield Information-Chief. Ship stats or data to him at Lkeating@usatodayco.com
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