Pat Dailey, for Headliner Sports

A common misnomer regarding the Backyard Brawl that is repeated on both sides is that the annual matchup is always a close game, with a strong emphasis on always.

True, the series had been back and forth the past 10 years entering this season, with both Ozark and Nixa having won five times. But when the Eagles have won, they have won big.

That trend continued Friday, with Nixa breaking away for a 42-14 triumph. 

The Eagles upped their average margin of victory in the Backyard Brawl since 2008 to a whopping 29.3 points. They have won by margins of 12, 28, 29, 31 38 and 38 again.

"We hoped we could do something like this," Nixa running back Sean Sample said. "But we also know that it's Nixa-Ozark and we both always get each other's best."

After a competitive first half in which the Eagles (2-2) led 14-7 at halftime, they busted the game open with a 28-point third quarter. 

"I've been waiting for this since my freshman year," Sample said. "When we lost in overtime last year, that was heartbreaking. Last year left a bad taste in my mouth. To turbo clock them before we put our younger guys in for the fourth quarter, it's a great feeling."

The decisive third quarter included Sample sprinting for two of his four touchdowns, wideout Jared Spence running for another score and linebacker Trent McFall returning a fumble for a touchdown.

"At halftime, we knew we had work to do and felt like we could have played better in the first half," McFall said. "In the second half, we executed. Coach (Rich Rehagen) told us to finish and we did.

"We've got this in us every game," McFall added. "We brought it out tonight when it really mattered."

Ozark (0-4) couldn't keep pace.  

For the full story, click here.

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Dana Harding, for Ozark Sports Zone

Sample Runs Wild as Nixa Rolls Over Ozark in Backyard Brawl Victory

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For photos of the game, click here.