The red hot, high flying Charleston Tigers looks to keep their momentum going when they travel to Ozark on Thursday, September 10th at 7 pm to take on the Hillbillies in an early battle between two unbeaten teams. Charleston (2-0) is riding high after two straight decisive wins over 4A-4 teams Booneville and Pottsville, but the Hillbillies will likely provide the toughest test yet for the young Tigers.
“Every week we have drawn a stronger opponent, and none are bigger than Ozark,” said Charleston Jr High Head Coach Matt Stewart. “It’s a big rivalry game for us, and the kids are so connected these days, that they are chomping at the bit to play some of their buddies that live north of the river.” When asked about the mindset of his team, Stewart assured his Tigers are ready. “The mindset we have going into the game is be efficient in all three phases. We have to be locked in, don’t let the moment get too big, and punish.”
Ozark (2-0) is coming off of a 22-8 victory over Newport in week 0, and a 32-6 win over Huntsville in week 1. Offensively, look for Ozark to try to grind it out, using their big offensive line to open up running lanes. “We are a run first offense,” said Ozark JR High Coach Anthony Elliott. “We try to control the line of scrimmage, and depend on physicality and execution.”
Charleston JR High Head Coach Matt Stewart, when asked about the Ozark offense, added “Offensively, Ozark is really good. They’ve bullied their first two opponents with offensive line play. Everything starts with those guys.” Stewart is also aware of a potential passing threat adding “When the defense keys in on the run, they’ll hit a shot over the top and make you pay.”
Charleston is led by Quarterback Daeton Stewart, who has found the endzone six times on the season so far, five by air and one on the ground. He has a plethora of weapons at his disposable, who are all capable of breaking out at any moment. The first game against Booneville was the Tanner Schilling show, followed by Cooper Carruth’s breakout three touchdown performance against Pottsville. Carson Lensing and Jaxson Todd have both also seen the endzone this season, with Lensing securing a TD reception and Todd returning the opening kickoff against Booneville. Grant Little is a contact seeking, physical running back, but is also a receiving threat.
“Their passing attack is definitely going to be a challenge for us,” said Elliott. “We haven’t seen a team that can pass it as well as Charleston. I don’t know if it can be stopped, we can only hope to limit it.” Elliott also added his best offense is a good defense, and to keep Charleston’s aerial attack off the field. “If we win at the point of attack and limit Charleston’s possessions, we’ll have a chance to come out on top. Time of possession is key.”
Coach Stewart knows Ozark’s defense will present a challenge Thursday. “Their defensive style is unique and forces the issue on us to be very efficient,” he said. “What plays into their favor is they’re going to keep a plus one margin in the box and play tight man coverage on the back end. They try to speed up offenses by playing every down similar to a 3rd and long.”
Charleston’s first string defense has been dominant so far, not allowing a first down to Booneville until the second half, and completing a shutout against Pottsville. Look for linebackers Grant Little and Kurt Lachowsky to work behind the defensive line to challenge the Ozark running game before they reach the second level.
Thursday’s matchup will be Charleston’s final non-conference tune up before starting conference play against Lavaca next week. Ozark will start conference play next week at Mena.
All photo credits to Sharon Baumgartner Dewitt.
