It’s hard to pin down exactly what’s wrong with the Norman High offense right now.
That’s only because there’s so much wrong with the Norman High offense right now.
In last week’s 14-7 loss to Putnam City, the Tigers racked up 70 yards of total offense; they had 49 through the air, 21 on the ground, on 27 carries. That’s 0.78 yards per carry.
The offensive line was pushed around by the Panthers. Quarterback Chad Anderson didn’t have time to think, much less get a good-looking pass off.
And despite a solid defensive effort (NHS has allowed just 34 points the past two weeks), the Tigers suffered their third straight loss, and playoff hopes are starting to wane.
“I think, like anyone, we’re beat up right now,” NHS coach Greg Nation said. “We have a lot of aches and pains, and as much as anything, consecutive losses hurt you. A win will cure a lot of pains.”
Tonight NHS hosts fellow 2-5 team Westmoore. Both squads could use a win right now, and while neither are in the position of District 6A-2’s basement dweller, 0-7 Putnam City West, things aren’t looking good for the Tigers and Jags.
Both are tied for fifth place in the district at 1-3, along with Lawton Eisenhower, two wins out of the fourth and final postseason spot.
With three games left, there’s just not much time left.
“Pretty much, if we get a win under our belt, we’ll be happy with that,” Anderson said. “Westmoore’s a good group and well coached. They are every year.
“We need to go out there with the mentality that we’re not out of the playoffs. We still have a chance. If we can come together, then we’ll win.”
So what changed so fast for NHS?
Just a few weeks ago it looked like the Tigers had found their offensive spark. After a rough start, victories at home against Moore and on the road at P.C. West showed they could put some points on the board.
But they’ve struggled since.
Since that Sept. 25 victory over the Patriots, the Tigers have been outscored 65-17.
But Edmond North is really the only team to look great offensively against NHS’ defense.
“Our defense has been doing enough for us,” Anderson said. “They’ve been doing their job. We just haven’t been doing enough to help them out.”
Nation hopes for a change tonight.
The Jaguars have been struggling all season, too. The inception of Southmoore has taken plenty of players from coach Mike Whaley’s team, and it’s left Westmoore pretty depleted.
Injuries, including to the Jags’ starting quarterback, have also taken a toll.
But don’t think NHS is looking to roll over their rivals from just up Western Ave.
“They’re good, and they have one of the best coaches in the state,” Nation said. “He stays with what he does. He’s going to have those guys ready to play.”
Still, the biggest foe on the field for the Tigers tonight might be themselves.
They’re still trying to find that team identity.
“We need to come together as a team still,” Nation said. “We’re fighting some demons that just come with maturity. These kids need to grow up fast.”
Jeff Johncox
366-3535
jjohncox@normantranscript.com
Local Sports
October 22, 2008
What do Tigers need?
- Local Sports
-
-
Shambaugh proves he is one to watch
It was hot, humid and the bugs were flocking to the lighted field at Tiger Stadium on Wednesday night. No one seemed to notice any of it by the sixth inning, though. Everyone was watching Jay pitcher Cale Shambaugh pitch a gem....
-
This one's for Papa
Wednesday was big for Nathan Thornhill for a couple of reasons. He led Team Texas to a convincing 9-1 victory over Team Arizona in the Heartland Baseball Classic. His 11 strikeouts in seven innings have been one of the highlights of the ...
-
Heart on the Diamond
The first Heartland Classic began Monday night at L. Dale Mitchell Park....
-
Soccer teams brave weather
Under gale-force wind conditions, the Norman High girls continued their soccer resurgence Thursday night at the NHS Soccer Complex, taking care of Yukon 1-0.
-
T-Wolves take third at invitational
Norman North coach Dennis Etter likes his team this season. Tuesday, he got his first real look at just how good it can be.
- SaberCats come out in force Julian Wilson was the first Southmoore player to commit last summer. And he was pleased at everything that has happened since then.
- Clash seating arrangements
-
Cats tame Tigers
MOORE — Coach Wes Clark didn’t want the game to turn into a track meet. He believed Norman High had a shot to knock off Southmoore if he could slow the game down to a crawl.
The strategy worked … for a quarter. But after Southmoore’s athletes were unleashed, they cruised past the Tigers 59-36 Tuesday. -
Bombers too much for North girls
MIDWEST CITY — Do the Norman North girls belong near the top of the Class 6A rankings?
Tuesday night, at least until the last six minutes, the Timberwolves certainly made their case.
Then it all fell apart. -
NHS battles, but North rules mat
Norman North, as expected, claimed Tuesday night’s mat edition of the Crosstown Clash.
Yet, getting past the Tigers by the slim margin of 42-31, it might have been Norman High coach Bo Maynes who exited the NHS Gym with the bigger bounce in his step. - More Local Sports Headlines
-
