The Houston Middle School football team raised $3,000 for this moment.
The Tigers, who through community support were able to join the Ozarks Football League, got their first victory April 11 in the Springfield league.
Colton Fields ran for 224 of Houston’s 289 yards as the Tigers defeated Sparta 38-8 at Ozark Stadium.
The team – comprised of seventh- and eighth-graders – is 1-2 in its three games in the OFL.
CJ Lee caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from Connor Wilson in the victory against Sparta. Fields had three rushing scores and Tristan Leier added a touchdown on the ground. Paydon Dixon had a two-point conversion run.
Dixon and Fields led the Houston defense with seven tackles apiece. Lee and Sawyer each had four tackles.