By Michael Kinney
For the first time this season, all three area teams are coming off a loss. While Westmoore and Moore have experienced a few tough beats already, Southmoore is experiencing something they haven't felt since last year.
However, the SaberCats (4-1, 1-1 District 6A-1) do not have time to sit around and lick their wounds. Playing on a shortened schedule, Southmoore will face Edmond Santa Fe tonight in District 6A-1 action. Even though the Wolves had had a subpar season, they have the ability to play spoiler to the rest of the district teams looking to lock up playoff spots.
Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. tonight at Moore Stadium.
Despite a 1-4 record, the Wolves have shown they can play with the top teams on the west side. All four defeats have been by less than nine points. That includes one-point losses to No. 9 Edmond North and a 13-12 loss to No. 7 Del City last week.
While Santa Fe's defenses had a strong outing, their offense struggled. Quarterback Will Long was 8-for-22 for 96 yards and two interceptions. Their leading rusher was Brian Mills who carried the rock 19 times for 55 yards. They racked up 199 total yards.
It was almost the exact opposite for the SaberCats in their 30-28 loss to Putnam City North Friday. Their numbers were gaudy. Quarterback Kendal Thompson threw for 377 yards, Nyko Symonds had three touchdown receptions and Andrew Long ran for more than 100 yards. However, the Cats still came up two points short to the Panthers.
It was turnovers and defensive mistakes that hurt Southmoore against the Panthers. Thompson's two interceptions and two fumbles by long allowed PCN to stay in game. It was the type of game coach Chris Jensen hopes his squad will have learned from.
Yet, the Cats still come into the game with more horses and talent than ESF. They are averaging almost 34 points a game behind Thompson's 14 touchdown passes.
Michael Kinney 366-3537 mkinney@normantranscript.com
