Clarksville, Ark. – Senior defender Harper Branch was named the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Men's Soccer Defensive Player of the Week, the league office announced today. 

Branch, a native of Royse City, Texas, spearheaded Ozarks to its third straight week of unbeaten play with his outstanding defensive effort over three matches. Branch's play in the back pushed the Eagles to a pair of shutouts against Champion Christian and Mission University as the Eagles allowed just one goal in a tie on the road to in state non-conference rival Lyon. He and the Eagle defense allowed just nine shots on goal over the three fixtures and have now posted four shutouts in the opening eight matches for the first time since 2020. Branch and the Eagles are now riding an eight-match unbeaten streak heading into SCAC play, tied for the second longest streak in program history.

The Eagles open conference play this weekend at home against University of Dallas and Colorado College.