Jeff Johncox
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
