COC Final standings (regular season)

[COCfan1212]

These are the final standings for the regular season. Keep in mind that each school only plays conference games now that Joplin has been added to the conference.

Webb City 9-0
Carthage 8-1
Joplin 7-2
Neosho 6-3
Carl Junction 4-5
Willard 3-6
Nixa 3-6
Republic 2-7
Branson 2-7
Ozark 1-8

Notice a trend here? Joplin area schools dominated the rest (for the most part). I was surprised with Neosho's 6-3 finish, but they play a brand of ball which emphasizes toughness and they definitely seem on the right track to continue being successful. Good luck to all COC teams in districts.

 

[wcrb15]

I was fairly surprised that the Springfield area schools did as poorly as they did. I knew Ozark was going to have a tough year with how much they graduated last year, but Nixa is usually closer to the top than they were this year. I'm excited to see how the COC fairs in district play and beyond.

 

[mowesten]

At this point I'm starting to wonder if the entire Springfield area has thrown in the towel on the sport.

The five Springfield public schools only won a game because they had the benefit of playing each other, and a Waynesville team that hadn't won a game in three years, otherwise, they would all be 0-9 right now.

Likewise, the SGF area teams in the COC, Willard, Nixa, Republic, Branson and Ozark, won one (1) game against the Joplin area — an overtime win by Ozark over CJ.

 

[COCfan1212]

was fairly surprised that the Springfield area schools did as poorly as they did. I knew Ozark was going to

I was fairly surprised that the Springfield area schools did as poorly as they did. I knew Ozark was going to have a tough year with how much they graduated last year, but Nixa is usually closer to the top than they were this year. I'm excited to see how the COC fairs in district play and beyond.

Willard will definitely think they have a good shot to win their district. Carthage should win their handily. Lebanon is top dog and is solid but I think Lebanon is pretty comparable to Neosho.

 

[SW Drill King]

At this point I'm starting to wonder if the entire Springfield area has thrown in the towel on the sport.

The five Springfield public schools only won a game because they had the benefit of playing each other, and a Waynesville team that hadn't won a game in three years, otherwise, they would all be 0-9 right now.

Likewise, the SGF area teams in the COC, Willard, Nixa, Republic, Branson and Ozark, won one (1) game against the Joplin area — an overtime win by Ozark over CJ.

In the last 5-6 years hasn’t like 3 different teams made it to a state championship?

 

[bullitpdq68]

These are the final standings for the regular season. Keep in mind that each school only plays conference games now that Joplin has been added to the conference.

Webb City 9-0
Carthage 8-1
Joplin 7-2
Neosho 6-3
Carl Junction 4-5
Willard 3-6
Nixa 3-6
Republic 2-7
Branson 2-7
Ozark 1-8

Notice a trend here? Joplin area schools dominated the rest (for the most part). I was surprised with Neosho's 6-3 finish, but they play a brand of ball which emphasizes toughness and they definitely seem on the right track to continue being successful. Good luck to all COC teams in districts.

I think if you could go back and look and this is exactly what I was saying before the year started, when I said they have some really nice stadiums for the product they put on the field. The old Big 6/SWC teams have pretty much dominated football in the conference sine joining.

 

[COCfan1212]

There just isnt as much of a football culture in the Springfield area for whatever reason. Basketball and baseball seem to be more of a focus for a lot of families and kids. There are certainly plenty of athletes in these schools but you have to have a winning culture to have consistent success.

 

[mowesten]

In the last 5-6 years hasn’t like 3 different teams made it to a state championship?

I'm not sure what you are talking about. Maybe we are making different points?

 

[SW Drill King]

I'm not sure what you are talking about. Maybe we are making different points?

Possibly I just though Kickapoo, Ozark, and Nixa have been to the Semi’s or the state game in the last half decade but I’m basing this off memory and am wrong often when I do that on here haha

 

[COCfan1212]

Possibly I just though Kickapoo, Ozark, and Nixa have been to the Semi’s or the state game in the last half decade but I’m basing this off memory and am wrong often when I do that on here haha

Thats true, all have at least made the semis in the last 5-6 years or close to it, although none of those programs have been able to capitalize on that success. Those three were a combined 6-21 this season.

 

[sw5890]

These are the final standings for the regular season. Keep in mind that each school only plays conference games now that Joplin has been added to the conference.

Webb City 9-0
Carthage 8-1
Joplin 7-2
Neosho 6-3
Carl Junction 4-5
Willard 3-6
Nixa 3-6
Republic 2-7
Branson 2-7
Ozark 1-8

Notice a trend here? Joplin area schools dominated the rest (for the most part). I was surprised with Neosho's 6-3 finish, but they play a brand of ball which emphasizes toughness and they definitely seem on the right track to continue being successful. Good luck to all COC teams in districts.

About the only surprise this year is that CJ was down quite a bit more than I expected. I expected to see them battling for the #3 spot with either Joplin or Carthage.

Not surprised to see Carthage finish #2 but them and especially Neosho are both better than I expected. I expected more out of Republic and especially Branson, felt like this would be a turnaround year for pirates.

Going into districts - Joplin is better positioned than in a long time. A good team combined with what (I think) is an easier district. I think they have a legit chance to make it to the district final, maybe even win it. It's just tough to really know when their 'best' win is C4 Neosho.

Carthage shouldn't have any trouble in their district though I think Republic's record is a bit misleading. I think Nixa will 'upset' Parkview to face Carthage in the final. Lebanon is a country mile ahead of Willard in points but I could totally see Willard winning that district. Lebanon seems a bit like Joplin - some really impressive wins against mediocre teams but lost to the 2 teams that might make noise. But they could be the real deal as well.

WC's district is significantly easier with this year's reshuffle. Still don't know what to think of their chances post district. The few times I've watched the cardinals I wasn't overly impressed compared to past years, but they do always seem to find a way even when they look to be outmatched. I think Ladue would handle WC, I doubt West Plains would.

Come basketball season you'll see the exact opposite with the springfield area dominating. Carthage is usually lucky to get more than 1 win in the basketball COC.

 

[COCfan1212]

About the only surprise this year is that CJ was down quite a bit more than I expected. I expected to see them battling for the #3 spot with either Joplin or Carthage.

Not surprised to see Carthage finish #2 but them and especially Neosho are both better than I expected. I expected more out of Republic and especially Branson, felt like this would be a turnaround year for pirates.

Going into districts - Joplin is better positioned than in a long time. A good team combined with what (I think) is an easier district. I think they have a legit chance to make it to the district final, maybe even win it. It's just tough to really know when their 'best' win is C4 Neosho.

Carthage shouldn't have any trouble in their district though I think Republic's record is a bit misleading. I think Nixa will 'upset' Parkview to face Carthage in the final. Lebanon is a country mile ahead of Willard in points but I could totally see Willard winning that district. Lebanon seems a bit like Joplin - some really impressive wins against mediocre teams but lost to the 2 teams that might make noise. But they could be the real deal as well.

WC's district is significantly easier with this year's reshuffle. Still don't know what to think of their chances post district. The few times I've watched the cardinals I wasn't overly impressed compared to past years, but they do always seem to find a way even when they look to be outmatched. I think Ladue would handle WC, I doubt West Plains would.

Come basketball season you'll see the exact opposite with the springfield area dominating. Carthage is usually lucky to get more than 1 win in the basketball COC.

The Branson team I saw on Friday was the worst in the COC. I dont actually believe they are (and their record supports that) but Willard dominated them from start to finish in every facet. Dont know how much Weston would have changed things for CJ but Im sure he could have at least added another win or two

 

[mowesten]

Possibly I just though Kickapoo, Ozark, and Nixa have been to the Semi’s or the state game in the last half decade but I’m basing this off memory and am wrong often when I do that on here haha

Possibly I just though Kickapoo, Ozark, and Nixa have been to the Semi’s or the state game in the last half decade but I’m basing this off memory and am wrong often when I do that on here haha

None have been to a state championship game.

The Ozark Conference hasn't played in a state championship game in football since Waynesville won Class 5 in 2007, and the five Springfield public schools haven't played in a state championship game in football in any recent decade that I am aware of ...

Your general point about some of those schools having good teams recently is correct, however. That is true.

My point is that the ten current teams that are either located in or near Springfield that are a part of the OC/COC are having a historically bad year as they are a combined 3-47 against the ten teams that comprise the rest of those two leagues.

I guess, perhaps, it is possible the ten teams they are playing are having historically good seasons and are making the ten SGF-area teams look much worse than they are.

My general sense is that there are two factors happening simultaneously -- A) the football talent at those ten schools is not up to par. B) Too many coaches aren't willing to ask kids to play both ways and they don't have enough talent to cover 22 positions effectively.

 

[AC100]

The Branson team I saw on Friday was the worst in the COC. I dont actually believe they are (and their record supports that) but Willard dominated them from start to finish in every facet. Dont know how much Weston would have changed things for CJ but Im sure he could have at least added another win or two

I think CJ would have beat Ozark but that is all.

 

[chuckwagon66]

None have been to a state championship game.

The Ozark Conference hasn't played in a state championship game in football since Waynesville won Class 5 in 2007, and the five Springfield public schools haven't played in a state championship game in football in any recent decade that I am aware of ...

Your general point about some of those schools having good teams recently is correct, however. That is true.

My point is that the ten current teams that are either located in or near Springfield that are a part of the OC/COC are having a historically bad year as they are a combined 3-47 against the ten teams that comprise the rest of those two leagues.

I guess, perhaps, it is possible the ten teams they are playing are having historically good seasons and are making the ten SGF-area teams look much worse than they are.

My general sense is that there are two factors happening simultaneously -- A) the football talent at those ten schools is not up to par. B) Too many coaches aren't willing to ask kids to play both ways and they don't have enough talent to cover 22 positions effectively.

Nixa is the only one that comes to mind that has played in a title game recently. Came up just a bit short against Battle a few years back. Other than that...been some slim pickens over the years

 

[COCfan1212]

Nixa is the only one that comes to mind that has played in a title game recently. Came up just a bit short against Battle a few years back. Other than that...been some slim pickens over the years

Its hard to compete against the KC and Stl area schools in class 5 and 6

 

[hitch_and_go]

Nixa was runner up 4-5 years ago

 

[hitch_and_go]

In the COC .... Carthage is usually in the quarterfinals or semis lately ...nixa was runner up when they had the ol miss rb (Murphy) ... Ozark made the semis or quarterfinals a few years ago and somehow blew a 28 or 35 pt halftime lead to eventual champ LSW ...I think that was the cleat controversy game

 

[Missouri Kid]

In the COC .... Carthage is usually in the quarterfinals or semis lately ...nixa was runner up when they had the ol miss rb (Murphy) ... Ozark made the semis or quarterfinals a few years ago and somehow blew a 28 or 35 pt halftime lead to eventual champ LSW ...I think that was the cleat controversy game

NO. LSW-Glendale was cleat controversy.

 

[hitch_and_go]

Agree to disagree...im pretty positive it was ozark

 

[hitch_and_go]

https://usatodayhss.com/2012/ozark-rallies-for-stunning-win-over-lees-summit-west

 

[Missouri Kid]

Agree to disagree...im pretty positive it was ozark

Had to be two games then. Friend had me down to the Glendale game. Saw it. Heard it.

 

[hitch_and_go]

I guess I miss remembered ...Ozark won ...was up 19-0 @ half and hung on ...then lost to FO in the semifinals. That was 2012

 

[hitch_and_go]

I don't recall Glendale making a deep run

 

[carthagefan2006]

2007 I believe Ozark trailed 35-0 against Union and came back and won in 2OT.

 

[Missouri Kid]

2007 I believe Ozark trailed 35-0 against Union and came back and won in 2OT.

Didn't Ozark have a big comeback against Carthage one year in the playoffs?

 

[SW Drill King]

The Branson team I saw on Friday was the worst in the COC. I dont actually believe they are (and their record supports that) but Willard dominated them from start to finish in every facet. Dont know how much Weston would have changed things for CJ but Im sure he could have at least added another win or two

Hard to tell how many more wins but it’s a true bummer that we didn’t get to see him this year. He was built like a Greek god before the season.

 

[Rock Hard Corn Frog]

I guess I miss remembered ...Ozark won ...was up 19-0 @ half and hung on ...then lost to FO in the semifinals. That was 2012

Ozark likely had FO best until a touchdown was called back due to hurdling.

As for CJ minus Weston. My guess is with Weston CJ would have been a coin flip with Joplin for 3rd in the COC.

 

[AC100]

Hard to tell how many more wins but it’s a true bummer that we didn’t get to see him this year. He was built like a Greek god before the season.

One and maybe 2 but CJ still had no chance against the top of the league. Not good enough line play.

 

[AC100]

Ozark likely had FO best until a touchdown was called back due to hurdling.

As for CJ minus Weston. My guess is with Weston CJ would have been a coin flip with Joplin for 3rd in the COC.

I don't see Weston closing a 49-13 gap.

 

[I2R I]

Didn't Ozark have a big comeback against Carthage one year in the playoffs?

2007 I believe. Carthage had beat WC on a last minute FG the week before.

 

[I2R I]

Had to be two games then. Friend had me down to the Glendale game. Saw it. Heard it.

The other game you are discussing is a needed come from behind win for LSW over Glendale in OT in 2011. 35 to 28 final. Glendale dropped a potential INT that would have sealed it in regulation.

 

[Missouri Kid]

2007 I believe. Carthage had beat WC on a last minute FG the week before.

That's the one I was thinking of. How big was the comeback?

 

[I2R I]

That's the one I was thinking of. How big was the comeback?

I wanted to go watch that game and can’t remember now what happened that I couldn’t. I do remember receiving updates. Seems like Carthage was up like 20 to 7 at half and thinking it was going about how I figured. I think Carthage just ran out of Steam. Final: Ozark 27 to 20.

 

[Missouri Kid]

I wanted to go watch that game and can’t remember now what happened that I couldn’t. I do remember receiving updates. Seems like Carthage was up like 20 to 7 at half and thinking it was going about how I figured. I think Carthage just ran out of Steam. Final: Ozark 27 to 20.

You are bringing back some old memories now. I remember that in the Union game Ozark trailed at half 35-0 meaning the mercy clock starts at the beginning of the second half but Ozark returned the kickoff for a touchdown so the mercy clock never ran and the comeback was on. I think everyone (except Ozark) considered Carthage a heavy favorite the next week.

 

[cru66]

Ozark likely had FO best until a touchdown was called back due to hurdling.

As for CJ minus Weston. My guess is with Weston CJ would have been a coin flip with Joplin for 3rd in the COC.

doubtful...cj looked like a freshman team and are small in numbers. joplin had 3 TDs called back. even with Weston joplin still would of won by 3tds.

 

[bullitpdq68]

Ozark likely had FO best until a touchdown was called back due to hurdling.

As for CJ minus Weston. My guess is with Weston CJ would have been a coin flip with Joplin for 3rd in the COC.

Did Weston also play on defense, that seemed to be more of their issue.

 

[SW Drill King]

Did Weston also play on defense, that seemed to be more of their issue.

He was better on D than on O. I respectfully disagree with you guys. Sometimes a great player can spurn a season, not only are you missing his talent but the play calling and the defensive scheme takes a hit. I think they’d be at at least 6 or 7 wins if he had not gotten hurt.

 

[bullitpdq68]

He was better on D than on O. I respectfully disagree with you guys. Sometimes a great player can spurn a season, not only are you missing his talent but the play calling and the defensive scheme takes a hit. I think they’d be at at least 6 or 7 wins if he had not gotten hurt.

A loss like Weston in a key position is big no doubt. But the other thing I noticed about CJ is they don't have the depth on the bench that they had a few years ago.

 

[tigershs]

He was better on D than on O. I respectfully disagree with you guys. Sometimes a great player can spurn a season, not only are you missing his talent but the play calling and the defensive scheme takes a hit. I think they’d be at at least 6 or 7 wins if he had not gotten hurt.

As bad as they are up front, It wouldnt matter if they had Marshawn Lynch back there.