The Central Ozarks Conference-Large will look a little different with the addition of Carl Junction this season (and Joplin in two years). But even with the additional teams its hard to believe that much will change at the top.
Webb City as been perched at the top of the league for years and in the short term, I don’t see anything changing that. The Cards are the definition of a constant powerhouse. They graduate talent and have more lined up right behind them. They will not only run the tougher league but will most likely do so undefeated.
Not only does CJ get to play their neighbors in a conference game now. They get to do so to kick off the season. It might very well be the game of the week, Week One. The Bulldogs make quite a leap from the Big 8 into the COC but with their speed and athleticism they will be just fine in their new home.
Nixa as been knocking on the door and a couple of years ago was just short if actually slaying the giant. While the Eagles have built a nice program it is hard to lose the kind of talent they did last season and not take, at least, a tiny step back.
Republic is a school that a generation ago was the big dog in this league. The Tigers used to run rough shot over folks in the COC and it was every schools hope to be the one to knock them off. Well things got a little tougher for the REPMO folks in recent years but times they are once again changing. I really like this group and look for them to make some noise.
Really no way of sugar-coating how tough things have been at Branson recently. The Pirates have struggled. But the new season gives new life. Ryan Still throws the ball well and he has a talented group of guys to go get it when he does. Defensively, it looks like the Pirates are ready to take a step forward as well. Coach Henderson can flat out coach and has been able to win everywhere he has been. Things are tough in this league, without a doubt, but its just a matter of time. Not going to predict a win total, but the Pirates WILL be improved.
Overall Willard may not be quite as talented as they were a year ago but the Tigers have plenty to still be extremely competitive. They will have size and will be able to run the football. If you line up across from them expect it to be physical.
Anytime I talk with people about Carthage I talk about the pure athletes they continue to produce. From a pure athletic standpoint they field as many as anyone in the league year after year. They are not always the biggest but speed is something they always seem to have. They seem to always pose match-up problems
When you talk about turnarounds look no further than Neosho. That is a program that has really stepped up. That has everything to do with Coach Dustin Baldwin, the dude is a flat out winner. He has QB Coleman Scott back and will present match-up nightmares for opponents again this year. They have taken huge strides already, now, are they ready to jump even further?
And then there is Ozark. I know some fans were not happy with how last season went. But, they have the real deal in Chad Depee. If you have any question look at what he built at Monett. Ozark will benefit from this being his second year and being more familiar with his system. Burlage and Gracey will both put up numbers this year.