A new era for Ozark football
After a whirlwind offseason, Ozark High School announced that Ray Godfrey has officially taken the helm as head coach, bringing with him two and a half decades of experience and a career record that sits at an even 80‑80. His appointment, which became official in late May, signals a shift toward a more disciplined, line‑of‑scrimmage‑focused approach.
Godfrey inherits a squad that returns several standout talents, including Jett Easley, who earned first‑team all‑conference honors as both a receiver and defensive back, and Caden O’Donnell, who will start at quarterback after a season that saw him complete 27 passes for 300 yards and a touchdown. The coach has repeatedly emphasized the need for energy and focus on every play.
Key pieces on offense and defense
The offensive line will be anchored by Isaiah Collins, Sam Stark, Brody Hunt, Easton McCoy and Jacob Beasley, while the receiving corps features Hendrix Haymes, Mereck Putt, Lucas Hanks and Westin Samson. At tight end, Haymes returns after earning second‑team all‑conference honors on both sides of the ball.
Defensively, the line will see contributions from Preston Essary, Isaiah Collins and Hendrix Haymes, while linebackers Lucas Kronebusch, Braxton Bell, Stanley Brice and Will Fevold are expected to bring intensity. In the secondary, Jett Easley, Cade Morrison, Dalton Ray and Braylon Howard will patrol the backfield, with Morrison noted for his leadership and football awareness.
Schedule and early tests
Ozark will open the season with a local jamboree against Kickapoo and Nixa on August 22, then host Neosho on August 28. The early slate is designed to give the team a chance to gel before conference play begins.
Coach Godfrey has voiced confidence that several players could earn postseason honors. He singled out Jett Easley, Hendrix Haymes and Caden O’Donnell as athletes who could make an impact beyond the regular season, while also highlighting Stanley Brice and Braxton Bell as potential candidates for recognition.
The overarching goal, according to Godfrey, is to control the line of scrimmage and to play with the enthusiasm that defined the program’s recent successes. If the team can translate its experience into execution, the upcoming season could see Ozark back in the conversation for playoff contention.