The football rivalry between Ozark and Nixa dates back to 1988, but some residents of Christian County will tell you the rivalry extends far beyond high school sports.
Nixa (5-2) visits Ozark (5-2) Friday for the News-Leader Game of the Week presented by Murney Associates, Realtors. Nixa enters the game coming off back-to-back losses, while Ozark comes off a 17-12 stunning of perennial Class 4 power Webb City.
Ozark holds quality wins over Class 5 No. 8 Carthage and Class 4 No. 4 Carl Junction. Losses to Republic and Neosho dot the Tigers’ record.
Nixa rattled off wins over Willard, Branson, Central, Republic and Neosho, but suffered back-to-back losses to Webb City and Carthage.