By Jeff Johncox
As if things weren’t tough enough for Norman High.
The Tigers have lost four straight games in which they’ve combined for 24 points, are 2-6 overall and 1-4 in District 6A-2. Last week at Westmoore, they displayed a few signs of offensive life, but it wasn’t enough to beat the Jaguars on their home turf.
Now NHS gets to host Midwest City, the third-ranked team in Class 6A.
“Any time you’re going up against (one of the top-ranked) teams in the state, you have your work cut out for you,” NHS coach Greg Nation said. “We’ve had a couple good practices, though, and it’s Senior Night and our kids are excited about the challenge.”
It will certainly be that.
The Bombers are 8-0, 5-0 in the district and, along with District 6A-1 leader Mustang, one of two remaining teams in the class without a loss.
As talented as Midwest City has been the past few seasons — the Bombers went 12-0 last year before falling to Jenks in the state semifinals — the stars have really been shining at Rose Field this season.
Timothy Flanders has been one of the top rushers in the state the past three seasons. In 2006, Flanders ran for 1,386 yards. Last year, he was third in the state with 1,604 yards behind Norman North’s Beau Blankenship (2,200) and Tulsa Union’s Jeremy Smith (1,748), though he led with 9.2 yards per carry.
“Oh my gosh, Flanders is explosive,” Nation said. “He’s a dynamo.”
He’s been near untouchable this season.
He’s leading Class 6A with 1,410 yards and 22 touchdowns on 105 carries for a whopping 13.4 yards per touch.
Joining Flanders in the Midwest City backfield is quarterback Jace Chilcoat, who has completed 79-of-112 passes for 1,234 yards, 17 touchdowns and one interception.
Midwest City is averaging 48.4 points a game.
“You’ve got to get ahold of (Flanders) before he gets moving,” Nation said. “If he gets to the third level (of the defense), he’s gone.”
But if the odds are stacked against NHS, the pressure might be on the Bombers to remain undefeated.
“Well, we can lose the game,” Nation said. “We still have a lot to play for. We can mathematically still get in the playoffs. But I understand that we’re talking upset and they’re talking about continuing an undefeated season.”
The good news for the Tigers?
Their offense may finally be coming together a bit. Last week, in the second half at Westmoore, quarterback Chad Anderson looked solid running Nation’s spread. And defense hasn’t been a question mark for NHS all season.
“I think they’re just now getting to grasp what we’ve been trying to do all year,” Nation, who took over the job right before summer break, said. “I’ve been saying all year that we’re three months behind. I think you could tell from our statistics last week that we’re coming together and the kids are understanding it more.”
Jeff Johncox
366-3535
jjohncox@normantranscript.com
