By Jeff Johncox
How good has the defense been at North and Lexington?
The two area squads are near the top of their classes (Class 2A for Lexington) in total yards and points allowed.
Lexington has given up an average 93.5 yards of offense a game, and has outscored opponents 163-20 through the first four games.
Even better, the Bulldogs' first-team defense hasn't allowed a touchdown yet this year.
The T-Wolves give up an average 149 yards per game and have outscored opponents 110-26 through three games.
North has a good chance to bolster that scoring ratio even more this week when it hosts Moore for homecoming. The Lions go into the game averaging 121.5 yards of offense and 4.8 points a game.
"They're an athletic bunch, a driven bunch," North coach Lance Manning said of his defense. "They really believe that defense makes a football team and leads to the success you have. They believe in wearing the black shirts. You can tell that by the way they play and the relentless pursuit."
Speaking of ...
Last week, Norman High celebrated homecoming with a big 38-7 victory over Putnam City West.
The homecoming court was packed with Tiger football players, too.
Quarterback Chad Anderson was the lone senior on the court vying for king, but juniors Jaime Myers, Greg Offenburger, Matt Connery and Alex Knox were all prince candidates.
Alas, none won a crown.
This week we'll get to see which Timberwolves are nominated.
Dryden improving
Things were looking good for Little Axe after the Indians started the season 2-0 for the second straight year.
Then came the disastrous trip to Bridge Creek, which The Axe lost 44-13. In the second quarter, starting running back and linebacker Robby Dryden went down with what was believed to be torn cartilage in his right knee. It was determined Dryden might miss three to four weeks.
But the junior was back on the practice field Tuesday for the Indians, and though he might not play this week when they host Meeker, he could be back as soon as next week's trip to Jones.
"It looks like he's going to be ready to go," Little Axe assistant coach Randy Zabel said. "We're just going to see how it goes. It all depends on if there's any pain or stiffness, and how he feels."
Dryden was one of the top offensive threats in Class 2A when he went down. Through two games he carried the ball 34 times for 265 yads (7.79 average) and a touchdown. He also had four receptions for 146 yards (36.5 avg) and another score.
