Top Performers from Willard vs. Ozark.

Week one, I decided to visit a Division 5A clash between the Willard Tigers and the Ozark Tigers. Both teams look to pick up their first win of the season and prove that they are a force to be reckoned with this upcoming 25-26 football season.   The Ozark Tigers came up on top with a score of 44-26, but the score didn't exactly tell the whole story of the game; both teams showed a great amount of athleticism last Friday night. These seven young men stood out above the rest.      Big night for Huskisson, totaling 4 receptions for 144 yards.   From the opening kickoff, Huskisson was playing at a different speed last Friday. He then followed that up with an opening drive 75 yard receiving touchdown, QB Tyler Davis handled a snap that hit the ground, scrambled left and found Huskisson open for the grab as he took it to the house.   He not only had that big play but proved to be absolutely electric with the ball in his hands. Huskisson should be the main guy in this Willard offense going forward, he ran great routes from both the slot and outside receiver spots on top of returning kicks for the Tigers.   There is a lot of season left, and Huskisson is looking to leave his mark in his Senior season.     Close had a very productive night against Ozark.   Keshawn Close is a big, tall receiver standing at 6'3 170 pounds, he gave these Ozark Tiger defensive backs a lot of problems downfield. Sometimes as a receiver when you're out there running routes, the ball doesn't get thrown your way. Close regularly created good separation all night long, but when he got the opportunity to get the ball, he made it count. One play in particular, Close showed a great burst off the line and ran a beautiful post pattern, and the Quarterback laid it right in the bucket for Close.   I will admit I was unfamiliar with Close before this game but he did all the right things to turn a few heads.     Lightfoot was a wall at right tackle for the Tigers.   Lightfoot looks like he's on his way to a great Junior season for the Willard Tigers. Last Friday night Lightfoot seemed really comfortable in pass protection. He has a really smooth kick slide, and he plays with a ton of power with his hands. Even when he was a little out of position and looked like he might get beaten on a rep he readjusted his feet and showed good recovery speed to get back into position.   It was also nice to see Lightfoot play some snaps at defensive tackle, and was able to push the pocket and make life difficult for Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1127267' first='Peyton' last='Russell'].     Brice made a big splash play, but more importantly, was consistent all night.   [player_tooltip player_id='1679092' first='Stanley' last='Brice'] was tasked with covering a pretty impressive group of Willard receivers. Brice more than held his own in pass coverage last Friday night, even grabbing himself a beautiful pick-six off a pass in the flat right before halftime.   Brice not only showed his pass coverage ability, but he was also really good at defending the run. He's a long, rangy defender at 6'4 190 pounds, and he uses that length to gain separation with his arms to disengage from blockers.   Brice is only a Junior and after week one he is on track to have a great year.       Easley was probably the best player on the field last Friday night.   Jett Easley turned in a stellar performance last Friday night. He proved to be a real difference maker, no matter where he lined up on the football field. Early in the game Jett showed his true speed by collecting a 60-yard reception. He followed that up by running the ball very effectively, showing off impressive strength to keep his legs turning for extra yards.   He returned kicks, and rounded that out by playing a little bit of cornerback and grabbing himself a very impressive interception where he was able to track the football in the air on a deep ball attempt.     On the ground or through the air Cordell made plays.   Cordell put up 100 rushing yards, 70 receiving yards, and 1 touchdown. He may have made the most impressive play of the day when he was able to haul in a deep pass, falling backwards and landing on the 1- yard line. Cordell is a truly explosive player; he plays receiver and lines up in the backfield for the Ozark Tigers. Last Friday night, he kept Willard on their heels with his lightning-fast change of direction.   Not only is he fast, but Cordell can really run between the tackles very efficiently. Colleges love versatility, and they should take notice of this young man.     Did all the right things to put his name on the map for his Senior season.   A rather unfamiliar name in the Southwest region of Missouri, Guynn had a really good week-one performance. His most impressive attribute might be his hands. Willard regularly looked for Guynn when they wanted to move the chains, and he delivered time and time again.   He's not only a very good possession receiver but a legitimate deep ball threat. He caught a wonderful deep pass on a "9" route where he was able to get behind the cornerback in man coverage and reach the endzone.   This is only week one and Guynn is on pace to put up some big numbers.

Week one, I decided to visit a Division 5A clash between the Willard Tigers and the Ozark Tigers. Both teams look to pick up their first win of the season and prove that they are a force to be reckoned with this upcoming 25-26 football season.