Skolarski scores four times as Ozark pulls away from Waldron

Ozark 34, Waldron 14

WALDRON — John Skolarski scored four rushing touchdowns and made two important throws as Ozark defeated Waldron 34-14 Friday night at Bulldog Stadium.

The Hillbillies improved to 5-0 overall and 2-0 in 4A-4 play. Waldron, which trailed only 8-6 during the second quarter, fell to 3-2 and 0-2. Ozark scored the next three touchdowns to take control before the Bulldogs answered with Jaxson Brown’s 80-yard run.

Skolarski supplied the first score on a 31-yard run in the opening quarter. He took a toss, cut inside a block and accelerated through the defense. Easton Sampley escaped pressure on the conversion and scrambled into the end zone for an 8-0 lead.

Waldron created an opportunity early in the second quarter when Kolby Gonzalez took the ball away from Sampley. A penalty erased Gonzalez’s return to the end zone, but the Bulldogs retained possession and eventually capitalized. Austin Hudson converted fourth down with a run, and a personal-foul penalty moved Waldron to the Ozark 16.

Eli Kluthe subsequently found Hayden Henry for a six-yard touchdown. The 6-foot-6 sophomore gave the Bulldogs their first score, but a pass to Brown on the conversion was stopped short, leaving Ozark ahead 8-6.

Ozark answered after a false start turned fourth-and-one into fourth-and-six. Skolarski took a toss and threw to Cooper Perrin, whose reception moved the Hillbillies inside the 20. Skolarski finished the possession with another scoring run. Waldron stopped the conversion, and Ozark carried a 14-6 lead into halftime.

The Hillbillies needed another Skolarski completion to keep their next scoring drive alive. Waldron’s pressure had left Ozark facing third-and-18 in the third quarter, but Skolarski rolled out and connected with Sampley for a first down. Easton Fox then supplied a series of physical runs, finishing the possession with a touchdown with 2:50 remaining. Skolarski ran in the conversion for a 22-6 advantage.

Xander Johnson later broke up a deep pass intended for Henry, and Ozark extended its lead on the ensuing possession. Skolarski cut back through the middle for his third rushing touchdown with 10:26 remaining. The conversion failed, making it 28-6.

Brown gave Waldron its biggest play with 9:33 left, slipping a defender and racing 80 yards down the sideline. The Bulldogs converted for two points to close within 28-14.

Ozark’s defense ended Waldron’s next possession on fourth down with 3:36 remaining. After a false start, Skolarski took a direct snap and ran 17 yards untouched for the final touchdown with 3:14 left. A fumbled conversion attempt kept the final margin at 20 points.

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter

Ozark — John Skolarski 31-yard run (Easton Sampley run), Ozark 8, Waldron 0.

2nd Quarter

Waldron — Hayden Henry six-yard pass from Eli Kluthe (two-point pass unsuccessful), Ozark 8, Waldron 6.

Ozark — John Skolarski run (two-point attempt unsuccessful), Ozark 14, Waldron 6.

3rd Quarter

Ozark — Easton Fox run (John Skolarski run), Ozark 22, Waldron 6. 2:50.

4th Quarter

Ozark — John Skolarski run (two-point pass attempt unsuccessful), Ozark 28, Waldron 6. 10:26.

Waldron — Jaxson Brown 80-yard run (two-point conversion successful), Ozark 28, Waldron 14. 9:33.

Ozark — John Skolarski 17-yard run (two-point attempt failed on a fumbled snap), Ozark 34, Waldron 14. 3:14.

Players Who Stood Out

John Skolarski, Ozark — Four rushing touchdowns, including runs of 31 and 17 yards. Also completed fourth-and-six to Cooper Perrin and third-and-18 to Easton Sampley on touchdown drives.

Easton Fox, Ozark — Scored with 2:50 left in the third quarter and supplied multiple tackle-breaking runs during that drive.

Easton Sampley, Ozark — Scrambled for the opening two-point conversion and caught the third-and-18 pass that sustained Ozark’s third touchdown drive.

Jaxson Brown, Waldron — Ran 80 yards for a fourth-quarter touchdown and helped bring down Skolarski behind the line on consecutive third-quarter plays.

Hayden Henry and Eli Kluthe, Waldron — Connected for a six-yard touchdown in the second quarter.

Kolby Gonzalez, Waldron — Took the ball away from Sampley early in the second quarter, setting up the Bulldogs’ first scoring possession.

Xander Johnson, Ozark — Broke up a deep fourth-quarter pass intended for Henry before Ozark’s fourth touchdown drive.