By Jeff Johncox
It was a day of first looks at Norman High and Norman North.
The Tigers and Timberwolves went full speed in their annual intrasquad scrimmages Saturday, hitting hard and showing fans and parents a little of what they can expect to see on the field this season.
But it’s just the second day in pads, and there’s still plenty of work to do.
At NHS, coach Greg Nation was really pleased with his offense. The Tigers struggled offensively most of last season, but Nation’s squad moved the ball well against the defense.
The biggest play of the day was a 75-yard touchdown run by Jaime Myers toward the end of the scrimmage.
“I was real proud of how we ran the football and controlled the line of scrimmage,” Nation said. “We moved the ball up and down the field against what I thought was a pretty good defense that coach (Shannon) Carter had out there. We threw the ball well, but we dropped a few passes. But I thought we ran our routes a lot better.”
Though the offense impressed Nation, there are still a few areas to work on, namely finishing a drive with a touchdown.
“We got inside the 10 one time and didn’t score. I don’t like that,” Nation said. “We had some mental breakdowns inside the 10.”
Quarterback Chad Anderson threw the ball well, and the offensive line started the scrimmage playing 38 straight snaps, impressing Nation with their conditioning.
On the defensive side, young players like Forest Myers and veterans like Greg Offenburger and Michael Barrett stole the show.
“I was proud of how our young kids attacked,” Nation said. “We had some big hits from our young kids, and some of our older guys.”
At North, the T-Wolves showed off their offensive and defensive speed.
Quarterback Brad Valentino, named the starter just a couple days ago, had a nice day throwing the ball, but the biggest offensive plays belonged to receiver/running back Jamar Harrison, including the day’s longest play, an 82-yard touchdown run.
“We executed well at times and had a lack of execution at times,” coach Lance Manning said. “It’s a typical intrasquad scrimmage.”
Back-up quarterback Austin Johnson, who also played receiver Saturday, found Nick Canavan for a 28-yard score when it was his turn to throw the ball.
“It was a close race (at quarterback),” Manning said. “Brad’s done a great job since he’s been competing, and he’s our guy. We wanted to get it done so we could get Austin Johnson out at receiver. He’s done nothing wrong and we just want to get him out on the field.”
The North defense showed it may be even quicker than it was last season. It dominated the scrimmage early, forcing the offense to go sideline to sideline instead of making any vertical ground on the field.
“I really like our physicality and speed on defense,” Manning said. “I think we’re playing with an attitude and poise. That’s where we always start.”
The Tigers and T-Wolves start school Thursday, and Friday they finally get to hit another team.
NHS hosts Lawton for its first scrimmage of the season, while North is at Edmond North.
Jeff Johncox
366-3535
jjohncox@normantranscript.com
