Ozark followed a one-win season in coach Chad Depee’s first year with a breakout eight win-season and district runner-up finish last year.
“Last year’s group of guys were great to work with. It was neat to see them buy in to each other and our team culture overall,” Depee said. “Change is hard on us all but it is amazing what can happen when a group of young men have a common purpose and are willing to invest time and energy.”
Now in year three, the Tigers are poised for another strong season with seven starters back on both offense and defense.
Senior Cody Lanning leads the way up front after a unanimous first-team all-conference selection on the offensive line a year ago. Lanning is an extremely strong piece up front with a best of 28 reps at 185 pounds on the bench press.
“Cody has been blessed with size, strength and athleticism,” Depee said. “He does a great job getting off the ball and being physical at the point of attack. He also is a guy that if needed could fill a role on defense.”
Nathaniel Burlage will return for his senior season at running back after a second-team all-conference selection last season. Burlage rushed for 603 yards and five touchdowns on 134 carries last season.
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“Nathaniel has done very well in his role on our team the past two years. He is a hard-nosed kid that runs hard, takes care of the ball and gives us great effort,” Depee said.
Bradley Bonewell returns at fullback where he had 83 carries for 425 yards and six touchdowns.
Danny Carr will take over at quarterback for all-conference selection Jack Hulse.
“We are excited for his opportunity to lead the offense. He is a good athlete that is very skilled and we are confident he has the ability to execute our offense,” Depee said.
Jace Gorn will lead the defensive front after a second-team all-conference selection at defensive tackle as a junior. He had 26 total tackles and 7.5 tackle for a loss last year. Gorn is also a standout wrestler for the Tigers.
“I believe Jace being a multi-sport athlete has been critical in his success in both sports. Of course he is a good athlete to being with, but I feel as though football has helped his wrestling and I am confident that wrestling has helped his football,” Depee said. “Leverage is a big deal. Body awareness and positioning are elements that I believe are improved from being on the mat. But probably the number one thing wrestling helps out with is mental toughness.”
Joe Satterly and Blake Andela will anchor the linebacking corps after both garnered all-conference selections there a year ago. Satterly earned third-team all-state honors as well after pulling down a team-high 100 tackles with five of them for a loss. Andela had 83 total tackles with seven for a loss last season.
“We are excited to have these guys back for their senior year. As with anyone that has had the opportunity to gain game time experience from the previous year, it puts them ahead of the game from the get go the next year,” Depee said. “These guys know our scheme, they can help the younger players develop. We look forward to seeing their growth as players and leaders.”
Curt Gracey returns to the football field after suffering a season-ending leg injury in the regular season finale last year. He will be the leader in the secondary and a piece on offense in the backfield. Gracey had 46 tackles and five interceptions from his defensive back spot. Offensively, he contributed 232 yards rushing and 200 yards receiving with five touchdowns.
Senior Preston Carson joins Gracey in the secondary after logging 72 tackles and four interceptions in his junior season.
Brock Herrold will also be a key factor at linebacker coming off an 83-tackle, 5.5-sack junior season.
Last year’s successes guarantee nothing this year, and that is a message Depee has imparted on his team.
“The only thing that we can truly expect is to stay true to our mission as a football program. Every year is different. We have good group of returning guys off of last year’s team, but this isn’t last year. We have our own journey to embark on,” Depee said.
Ozark opens the season on Aug. 18 at Carthage.
