Stories by Alex Hill
Braxton Bell's Heroic Performance Leads Parkview to Dominant Victory in Semifinals
In the semifinals of the blue playoffs,
The Parkview Vikings and Mountain Home Bombers fought for a final spot in the championship.
With both team’s aspirations high, The Bombers ran into someone who was determined to play another week.
Parkview’s Braxton Bell put the squad on his back rushing for 204 yards and four touchdowns, the most yards and touchdowns by a player this season. He was a freight train that was not stopping for anything his his path. In addition, Samuel Crouse added 27 yards and a swift touchdown to extend the Viking lead.
To add to the dominance, on the defensive side the Vikings picked off Mountain Home, recovered a fumble, and recorded two big time sack.
The final score was 32-0, Parkview.
The Vikings head to the blue division championship for a square down with the Waynesville Tigers to take home the gold.
Hornets Soar Past Falcons to Secure Championship Berth
In the red division playoffs, the Hornets played the Falcons as the Hornets swarmed Glendale all evening long. The Hornets were led by John Hilliard, who rushed for 152 yards and three touchdowns in his continuing dominance. Kerrigan West had 142 yards, a touchdown, and a two-point conversion, as Hillcrest’s ground game was unstoppable.
The Hornets were flying through the air as well, as Braiden Hubbard threw for 54 yards and a touchdown as the offense was firing on all cylinders.
For Glendale, Kolton Jacobs connected with Ryder Washington for a 33 yard touchdown through the air. But that was all Glendale could muster up against a tough HIllcrest defense.
The final score was HIllcrest 34, Glendale 6.
The Hornets head to the championship, and will take on the Waynesville Tigers at Plaster Stadium.
Watch Red Division Champions Waynesville Tigers photoshere.
Bombers Soar to Victory: Season-High 56 Points in Dominant Win
The Bombers put on a show for the final week of the regular season in their matchup against the Hornets.
Putting up 56 points, the Bombers scored a season high of any team this season. Kobe Dotson and Miguel Albares had two touchdowns each. The Bombers continued to pile on, as everything seemed to be working for the squad.
With 263 team rushing yards, the Bombers were stopping at nothing to dominate the ground game. But the Bombers also dominated every asset of the game as well, as their air strikes were just as hot. Conner Gentry threw a nice touchdown pass inside the five to extend the lead even more.
The Bombers continued to completely and utterly dominate all night, winning big 56-6.
Concluding the final week of the regular season, the Bombers take on the Parkview Vikings in the first round of the Ozarks Youth Football playoffs, at 8 p.m, Friday.
Tigers Pounce: Waynesville Shuts Out Parkview
To kick off the red division, the Waynesville Tigers took on the Parkview Vikings. Waynesville had a plethora of rushers attacking the ground with authority. Trevyn Brown led the way with 80 yards and three touchdowns. Haydrian Cole ran across the endzone twice, and Wyatt Homquist added a touchdown as well. The trio of Tigers could not be stopped as Waynesville took a massive lead and never looked back.
Holmquist then showed up on the defensive side as he snagged a pick six to extend the Tiger lead even further, as the final score was a stomping of 42-0.
The Tigers look to the postseason now, with a matchup with the Kickapoo Chiefs looming in the air.
Vikings Emerge Victorious Over Bruins in Low-Scoring Affair
To kick off the blue division’s week, the Parkview Vikings and Rock Bridge Bruins squared off for the final week of the regular season.
In a defensive masterclass from both teams, it was tough all night for any offense to get going. Rock Bridge’s running game was unable to gain any ground, fumbling three times. While Parkview threw an interception that threw off their offensive momentum.
Finally breaking through, Braxton Bell fought his way into the endzone for a touchdown, and a two-point conversion. For the Bruins, Reed Norris connected with Kingston Jefferson for a 47 yard dime to the house as the Bruins finally were on the board themselves. But Rock Bridge’s two-point conversion was no good.
The two-point conversion proved to be the factor, as the Vikings held on, winning 8-6.
For next week’s playoffs, the Bruins will play the Tigers Friday at 6:30, and the Vikings play the Bombers at 8 p.m.
Hilliard Shines Again, Hornets Stay Hot for Postseason
The first place Hillcrest Hornets headed to battle with the Kickapoo Chiefs.
In a staunch defensive game, John Hilliard broke through for another stellar game, as Hillard continues to holster an electric season as he tacked on 108 yards and a touchdown. Kerryon West then landed in the endzone, and tacked on 55 yards on the day.
The Chiefs were unable to do much of anything on the ground and were swarmed by the Hornets all night long. Three hornets recorded multiple tackles and all 11 players were locked in and closed out hits. The Hornets did not need to add too much more on offense, winning convincingly ; 18-0.
The Chiefs will go on to play the Waynesville Tigers in the playoffs, while the Hornets will battle the Falcons.
Kickapoo and Glendale Deliver Gridiron Thriller
In an utterly amazing game on the gridiron, the Kickapoo Chiefs and the Glendale Falcons matched up for a truly special game. The two teams matched up well, but the Chiefs had zero answer for Deon Reed, as the rusher took it four times to the house with 110 yards on the ground. Reed flat out played like it was Madden out there.
While the ground game was working for the Falcons, their kryptonite was their special teams defense, allowing two return touchdowns, both from the speedy Sterling Goodall. Along with the two return touchdowns, Goodall had a rushing touchdown to go with it, as he was making sure the Chiefs were giving a staunch fight.
The game was back and forth, as the teams took turns scoring. However, the Chiefs had a couple of rough possessions through the air, throwing two interceptions in a game where you could not waste any chances with the ball.
The Falcons took advantage, edging out the Chiefs: 26-22. Glendale was boosted to 3-0, while Kickapoo moved to 1-3, and last in the red division.
Perfect Start Continues: Parkview's 3-0 Record Secured with Convincing Win Over Hillcrest
Parkview and Hillcrest faced off again in the blue division, as the Vikings were showing out early. Braxton Bell was at the head of it all, posting 107 yards and two touchdowns for a Parkview team with something to prove. Caden Fangrow also crossed the goal line for a score, and Tristan Burks put his name in as someone to watch with two rushing touchdowns.
Burks also showed up on defense, picking off a Hillcrest pass in ball hawk fashion. Hillcrest’s Dylan Kirby was solid behind center for the Hornets, throwing for 64 yards, but it was not enough to make up for Parkview’s defensive brilliance.
Parkview’s blue division team showed up to avenge its red counterpart, smoking Hillcrest 30-0. Parkview remains perfect at a 3-0 record.
Bombers Soar: Mountain Home Blanks Kickapoo Chiefs in Blue Division Showdown
In the blue division, the Mountain Home Bombers and the Kickapoo Chiefs met for a big game, as they sat right next to each other in the standings. Kobe Dotson was getting it going early, rushing for a touchdown, along with 53 yards on the night. Westin Potter then added on with 50 rush yards and a touchdown as well.
While the offense was cooking, the defense was cleaning up their plate, as Potter had a dynamic outing picking off a pass for a Chiefs turnover. Along with the great secondary play, the Bombers record three sacks to negate any chance of a Kickapoo score.
The Bombers never let the Chiefs come close, winning 24-0, as both teams move to 1-2 on the year.
Hornets Swarm Any Vikings Chances, Shut out Parkview 24-0
In the red division matchup between the Hillcrest Hornets and the Parkview Vikings, the Hornets dominated all night long. John Hilliard had 126 rushing yards and two touchdowns in a beast of a game for the running back. The Hornets also drove down the field for another big trip across the end zone.
On the defensive side, the Hornets swarmed any Viking chance of gaining any traction. Kerriyon West had a whopping eight tackles, the record by any player thus far this season. The team had three fumble recoveries, and allowed just 10 Viking rushing yards.
The Hornets moved to 3-1 as they won in serious fashion, 24-0.
Passing Parade: Rock Bridge Bruins' Trio of QBs Lead Charge in Victory Over Glendale
Rock Bridge had the best passing game of any league in the season thus far, as three different quarterbacks threw a touchdown. As #3, Reed Norris, and Madden Kurowski all connected with three different receivers.
Glendale was able to pick off a Bruins pass and capitalize with a passing touchdown of their own as Michelle Hoerschgen connected with Collin Johnson for a 55 yard dot to the endzone.
But that was all she wrote for the Falcons offense, as they could get nothing else going against a tough Rock Bridge defensive scheme, as the Bruins easily won 28-6. Glendale remains winless at 0-3, while Rock Bridge is one game back of first at 2-1.
Passing Parade: Rock Bridge Bruins' Trio of QBs Lead Charge in Victory Over Glendale
by Alex Hill
Rock Bridge had the best passing game of any league in the season thus far, as three different quarterbacks threw a touchdown. As #3, Reed Norris, and Madden Kurowski all connected with three different receivers.
Glendale was able to pick off a Bruins pass and capitalize with a passing touchdown of their own as Michelle Hoerschgen connected with Collin Johnson for a 55 yard dot to the endzone.
But that was all she wrote for the Falcons offense, as they could get nothing else going against a tough Rock Bridge defensive scheme, as the Bruins easily won 28-6. Glendale remains winless at 0-3, while Rock Bridge is one game back of first at 2-1.
Hillsdale Hornets Outlast Glendale Falcons 20-6 in Red Division Showdown
By Alex Hill
A red division clash between the Hillsdale Hornets and the Glendale Falcons kicked off week three of Ozarks Youth Football.
For Glendale, the sole scoring on the night was a rushing touchdown. But Hillsdale was able to bounce back by a rushing score of their own. Hillsdale also was throwing the ball well with good quarterback play from Brady Wehrman who had 45 yards and a touchdown.
While both teams turned the ball over, as Hillsdale threw a pick, Glendale’s two fumbles proved crucial in the long run and killed any offensive momentum attempted.
Hillsdale was able to outlast Glendale 20-6. The red division Hornets moved to 2-1, and the Falcons would fall to 0-2.
Hillcrest Hornets Dominate Both Ends of the Field, Toppling Glendale Falcons
By Alex Hill
A blue division matchup between the Hillcrest Hornets and the Glendale Falcons continued an exciting weekend of Ozarks Youth Football.
Hillcrest’s ground game was triumphant as #42 led the squad with 105 yards and two touchdowns. While #5 of the Hornets had 54 yards and a touchdown, along with an interception on the defensive side in a stellar night.
The Hornets forced four Falcons turnovers, and blanked Glendale’s offense in a defensive masterclass from kickoff to the final whistle.
Hillcrest controlled the game all night long, shutting out Glendale 24-0. In the blue division, Hillsdale moves to 2-1, while Glendale falls to 0-2.
Tigers Flex Offensive Muscle, Blank Vikings in Red Division Statement Win
By Alex Hill
The red division Waynesville Tigers took on the Parkview Vikings
The Tigers put on an offensive clinic. Trevyn Brown had 164 rushing yards and three touchdowns. While Adonis Lee had 51 rushing yards and a touchdown. Antoine Haggard added to the glory of the team’s ground game, adding another touchdown prancing into the endzone. The Tigers had 279 rushing yards as a unit and charged down the field at ease all night.
Brown added a touchdown pass to Jarvis McLemore as the Vikings could not stop anything the Tigers did.
On the defensive side, the Tigers had a fumble recovery from Ryhs Schleicher and an interception from Jeremiah Morphew to shut down any Vikings chance of making it a close one at all.
The Tigers dominated all night long, routing the Vikings 40-0.
Tigers Flex Offensive Muscle, Blank Vikings in Red Division Statement Win
By Alex Hill
The red division Waynesville Tigers took on the Parkview Vikings
The Tigers put on an offensive clinic. Trevyn Brown had 164 rushing yards and three touchdowns. While Adonis Lee had 51 rushing yards and a touchdown. Antoine Haggard added to the glory of the team’s ground game, adding another touchdown prancing into the endzone. The Tigers had 279 rushing yards as a unit and charged down the field at ease all night.
Brown added a touchdown pass to Jarvis McLemore as the Vikings could not stop anything the Tigers did.
On the defensive side, the Tigers had a fumble recovery from Ryhs Schleicher and an interception from Jeremiah Morphew to shut down any Vikings chance of making it a close one at all.
The Tigers dominated all night long, routing the Vikings 40-0.
Tigers Flex Offensive Muscle, Blank Vikings in Red Division Statement Win
By Alex Hill
The red division Waynesville Tigers took on the Parkview Vikings
The Tigers put on an offensive clinic. Trevyn Brown had 164 rushing yards and three touchdowns. While Adonis Lee had 51 rushing yards and a touchdown. Antoine Haggard added to the glory of the team’s ground game, adding another touchdown prancing into the endzone. The Tigers had 279 rushing yards as a unit and charged down the field at ease all night.
Brown added a touchdown pass to Jarvis McLemore as the Vikings could not stop anything the Tigers did.
On the defensive side, the Tigers had a fumble recovery from Ryhs Schleicher and an interception from Jeremiah Morphew to shut down any Vikings chance of making it a close one at all.
The Tigers dominated all night long, routing the Vikings 40-0.
Tiger Takedown: Waynesville Strikes Fear with Ground and Air Attack
By Alex Hill
The Waynesville Tigers took on the Mountain Home Bombers in the blue division.
Waynesville’s ground game moved the chains at a stellar rate with exactly 200 rushing yards as a team. Sawyer Baker had 29 yards and a touchdown, and Ryder Wells had 110 yards and two touchdowns in a dominant showing. In the air, Seth Hance had 46 passing yards and a nice looking touchdown pass to add to the dynamic offense.
On the Waynesville defensive side, Isaiah Williams picked off a pass, and the Tigers had four sacks on the night.
Waynesville won the game in a decisive manner 32-16, and are undefeated with a 2-0 record.
Parkview Outguns Rock Bridge With Manczuk III's Masterclass
By Alex Hill
In the blue division, the Parkview Vikings took on the Rock Bridge Bruins.
An aerial attack was the story of the day for Parkview, as Kasimir Manczuk III showed up big time once again. Manczuk III threw for 170 yards, two touchdowns, and two two-point conversions. Manczuk III connected with six different receivers along with rushing for 19 yards.
On the defensive side, the Vikings had four different players record multiple tackles. While Manczuk III swooped and picked off a pass, proving he was dynamic on both sides of the ball.
Parkview won the game 16-12, as the team remains hot with a 2-0 record.
March 22, 2024 Ground Game Glory: Red Division Kickapoo Chiefs' Sterling Goodall Shines with Three Touchdowns, 94 Yards Rushing
Story by Alex Hill
*Note: The Kickapoo Chiefs have not submitted rosters at the time of this article’s release
For opening week of Ozarks Youth Football, the Kickapoo Chiefs took on the Glendale Falcons. The Chiefs, helmed by Joe Tyes, his first year as head coach. The Falcons, led by Allen Reed, his first year as well.
In an electric game, Sterling Goodall of Kickapoo had 94 rushing yards and three touchdowns to lead the dynamic ground game that was working for the Chiefs all evening long. The Chiefs totaled 126 rushing yards over the course of the game.
In addition to the run game, the kick off return squad was truly special Friday night. As Paxton Norrell had a 95 yard return to the house, and Sterling Goodall had an 80 yard return for a touchdown in a pair of easy scores for the Chiefs. The defense was also working for Kickapoo, as Noah Hudkins picked off a pass, and Xavier Houston led the attack with four tackles.
Glendale did not go down easily however, as Deon Reed had two rushing touchdowns and 145 of Glendale’s 155 total rushing yards. Along with a 66 yard kick return to the end zone from #36.
But Kickapoo’s forceful rushing attack and exciting long returns fended off the Falcons with a final score of 34-18.
March 22, 2024 Blue Division Clash: Chiefs Outlast Falcons in Defensive Battle
Story by Alex Hill
*Note: The Kickapoo Chiefs have not released their rosters at the time of this article’s release
It was a low scoring, defensive affair for the blue division. The Chiefs offense was led by Nathan McShane running for 55 of the team’s total 70 rushing yards. The Chiefs offense started up with a vibrant 61 yard kick return to the end zone from Mathew Long. Along with the ground game, Zander Pigg had 12 passing yards to add to the night.
On the defensive side, other than the shut-down defense shutting out Glendale, Brayden Hurst and Shamarr Lemon had three tackles each. While #32 batted down a passing attempt from the Falcons in a nice play, and #28 recorded a sack in the backfield.
For the Falcons, the offense could not come up with an answer as they had just 49 rushing yards all evening. The Falcons had four different players produce multiple tackles, and three players bat down passes to prevent any sort of passing attack for the Chiefs. Glendale also had a sack from Michelle Hoerschge, in a nice looking wrap up behind the line of scrimmage.
In the end, Kickapoo’s big kick off return was enough to edge out the Falcons 10-0 in a defensive clinic on both sides.
March 22, 2024 Waynesville Takes Care of Hillcrest by 20
Story by Alex Hill
It was a nippy evening for opening night of Ozarks Youth Football, as it was 40 degrees, with winds blasting at 30 MPH for a 6:30 p.m kickoff. The fifth and sixth graders began their season, as the red division opened up play at Allison Sportstown.
The Waynesville Tigers are coached by Carl Emperato, in his eighth season. The Hillcrest Hornets are coached by Davonteé Scott, his first season leading the sidelines.
It was a ground game all the way through, as neither team attempted a pass. Adonis Lee led the way for the Tigers on the ground with 94 yards and a touchdown. Adonis Lee had a monster game, rushing for 32 yards, a touchdown, and a two-point conversion. Lee also took a kick return 54 yards to the end zone for six in an electric play. On the defensive side for the Tigers, Antoine Haggard and Wyatt Holmquist recorded a sack each.
The Hornets won the turnover battle, forcing two Tiger turnovers with fumble recoveries from Connor Amman and Willie Thomas. Despite that, the Hornets could not capitalize off of Waynesville’s mistakes, as the Tigers defense held them to just 80 yards.
The Tigers won the game handily 26-6. The Tigers have a bye week, but the Hornets will look to bounce back against the Kickapoo Chiefs next friday.
March 22, 2024 Blue Division Tigers Trounce Hornets to Begin the Blue Division Season
Story by Alex Hill
At 8 p.m. the blue division seventh and eighth graders took the field for the evening’s second game.
Kellan O’Donnell hit the ground running, leading with 34 rushing yards, while Ryder Wells had 25 yards and a touchdown, and Sawyer Baker rushed into the end zone as well. The Tigers amassed 137 rushing yards on the day and finished with 25 passing yards from Adrian Uriostegu.
Meanwhile, on the defensive side of the ball, Jamarion Arthur intercepted a pass and took it 12 yards to the house for a pick-six to add to the score. The Tigers allowed just seven points and did not give up any ground, as the Hornets recorded -11 rushing yards.
The Waynesville Tigers thoroughly beat the Hillcrest Hornets, with a final score of 47-7.
The Tigers look to maintain that momentum and stay hot through a bye week, while the Hornets will attempt to bounce back against the Kickapoo Chiefs next Friday.
Parkview's Air Assault: Manczuk III's Passing Propels Vikings to 20-6 Win Over Bombers
Story by Alex Hill
The Vikings are coached by Blake Earnheart, the Bombers helmed by Steve Ary.
Implementing more passing than any other team thus far paid off for the Vikings big time. Kasimir Manczuk III threw for 110 yards and a touchdown in a breakout game. Braxton Bell led the ground game for the Vikings with 33 rushing yards and a two point conversion. Alex Hudkins then ran back a kick 22 yards to the house for a touchdown.
For the Bombers, Conner Gentry threw for 28 yards and a touchdown. While Garret Watts rushed for 57 yards
On the defensive side, the Parkview secondary was on swat patrol with three different passes being batted down to stop any Bomber air momentum. While Braxton Bell and Jackson Mcvay both recorded six tackles on the night; a league high. Any chance of a Mountain Home comeback was met with denial.
The final score was Parkview 20, Mountain Home 6. The Bombers will look to bounce back on Friday against the Waynesville Tigers
Turnover Turmoil: Vikings Capitalize, Shut Down Falcons 14-0
Story by Alex Hill
In a hard fought game, #58 of the Vikings ran for 58 yards, a touchdown, and a two point conversion. Ahsan Nelson tacked in five rushing yards on a scoring play to the house for six. That was all the scoring on the day the Vikings defense showed out. Glendale finished the game with -29 rushing yards, and could not gain much of anything all night.
Turnovers proved to be the winning factor, in a game that saw six total turnovers, three for each team. Layton Manco and Moses Martinez of Parkview recovered a fumble each. Glendale’s Simon Desorrett and Spencer Nichols had fumble recoveries as well, to keep the game alive.
Parkview’s #58 picked off a pass to take away any chance of a successful Falcons drive. Parkview shut out the Falcons to win a tough 14-0.
Both the red and blue Falcons will take on the Hillcrest Hornets next Thursday at 6:30 and 8 p.m. While the red division Vikings will look to stay hot against the Waynesville Tigers on Friday at 6:30
Dynamic Duo Dominates: Wehrman and Watts Lead Hornets Past Chiefs
Story by Alex Hill
In the blue division, the Hillsdale Hornets (0-1) took on the Kickapoo Chiefs (0-1)
The Chiefs defense simply had no answer for the tag team that was Brady Wehrman and Cameron Watts. As the two players combined for 214 rushing yards and two touchdowns in dominant looking fashion. The Hornets also had 86 passing yards, 40 from Lemon, who was doing it all. Watts also took a fumble recovery to the house, making his name known on both sides of the ball. Along with a fumble recovery from Wehrman as the two really put on a show all night long on any and every part of the field.
For the Chiefs, Draven (Heath) Keys had 26 rushing yards and a touchdown. Keys also threw for 81 yards and a touchdown in an electric showing.
The Chiefs had a kick returned 90 yards to the endzone in a good offensive showing from both squads.
But the Chiefs made more mistakes, and lost the turnover battle. Turning out a final score Hillsdale 30, Kickapoo 20.
Story by Alex Hill
The red division Hornets were unstoppable offensively. Reid-Payne Chayden had 87 yards and two touchdowns. Noah Otradovac and Callen Reid tacked on rushing touchdowns as well. The defense also showed out with a fumble recovery and a nice interception from John Hilliard.
Offensively for the Chiefs, a speedy 60 yard kick return from Sterling Goodall was all Kickapoo could produce all night. Goodall also did things on the defensive side for Kickapoo with a nice chase down sack.
But the fiery offense of Hillcrest was too much for Kickapoo all night in a dominant 38-8 victory, as the Hornets have a .500 record and look to keep momentum going against Glendale next week.
The Chiefs had a kick returned 90 yards to the endzone in a good offensive showing from both squads.
But the Chiefs made more mistakes, and lost the turnover battle. Turning out a final score Hillsdale 30, Kickapoo 20.
Hornets Swarm Chiefs in Dominant 38-8 Victory