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November 30, 2012

Players have no doubt their time has come

By Corbin Hosler The Norman Transcript

NORMAN — The goal at Norman North ever since coach Wade Standley arrived last year has been to “play for championships.”

The Timberwolves accomplished that goal with last week’s 49-42 win over Owasso. Now, that’s not enough.

“We put our blood, sweat and tears into this, and it feels great,” tight end Payton Prince said. “Everyone came together to make this happen. We’re ready to take that next step.”

It’s been a long journey for the Timberwolves. From 3-7 two years ago to the state championship tonight, the T-Wolves admitted they never would have thought then they’d be taking the field at Boone Pickens Stadium tonight, playing in Week 14 with a title on the line.

“Looking back at it, I didn’t imagine I would be in this situation,” senior linebacker Jordan Evans said shortly before announcing his commitment to play college football at Oklahoma on Tuesday. “But now that we’re here, we don’t want it to end.”

It’s a similar story for quarterback Peyton Gavras, who didn’t even know if he would return to the field after a concussion knocked him out for most of the 2011 season.

“Last year was rough,” he said. “After getting a spot on the field and then having to sit out, it wasn’t easy. But I wanted to prove to everybody that I could come back. It’s been a pretty special season,” he said. “When you’re a child, you dream about playing in games like this, even when you don’t really know what it’s all about. It’s just an incredible feeling now that we’re really here.”

Much of the credit for the massive turnaround at North has been attributed to Standley. But the second-year coach gives all the credit back to the Timberwolves.

“I’ve never seen guys with such heart,” he said. “They just refuse to lose. I’ve been on a lot of teams, and every one is different. But, even in the middle of the season you could tell that this was a special group. There’s been a great atmosphere and it’s exciting. All year we’ve talked about playing for championships, and this time we get the opportunity to play for the entire state championship.”

Corbin HoslerFollow me @Chosler88chosler@normantranscript.com

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