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Defense key for Ozark in Year 2 of rebuilding project

Ozark played shutout defense on a Friday night, and while touchdowns don't matter in preseason scrimmages, standing tall meant much to the Tigers and their fans.

It meant confidence is returning to a team that last had a winning season in 2012.

The Tigers didn’t surrender any touchdowns in 36 defensive plays against Rogersville, Central and Hillcrest in a preseason jamboree at Rogersville. Ozark offered glimpses of the ruthlessly aggressive style of defense Monett was known for during coach Chad Depee’s tenure with the program.

Depee (pronounced "de-PAY") came to Ozark a year ago, and the Tigers went 1-9.