The versatile Ozark offense steamrolled Republic for 249 rushing yards on the way to a 48-6 win at Republic Friday.
The game was delayed by about 90 minutes because of severe weather, and Ozark got on the board first on an Austin Roberts touchdown. The extra point was no good, and Ozark led 6-0.
It stayed that way until the second quarter, when two more Ozark touchdowns and a 2-point conversion made it 21-0 just before halftime.
In the second half, the game got out of hand. A 50-yard run by Roberts put Ozark up 28-0. After another touchdown, Ozark went for a two-point conversion leading by 34 points, and it failed. Two more touchdowns, with many of Ozark’s starters still in the game, ran the score to 48-0.
Republic coach Kurt Thompson was ejected by an official during one exchange, after a play during which the officials called multiple personal fouls involving both teams.
Republic finally got on the board when Kerik Crouse scored on a 31-yard touchdown run. That made the score 48-6.
Ozark out gained Republic 287 yards to 166.
Republic was led on the ground by Crouse, who carried the ball 13 times for 71 yards. James Desjardins and Zach Hall had 39 passing yards apiece from the quarterback spot.
Republic falls to 2-1. Ozark is 3-0. Republic is back in action next week against Webb City.