Chad Anderson, like the rest of Norman High, suffered a difficult 2008.

He was named starting quarterback midway through the season, putting him in charge of a brand new offense under first-year coach Greg Nation.

Donovan Roberts was a freshman with a lot of promise. He showed flashes of greatness and an uncanny ability to turn nothing into something.

Jaime Myers was primarily a defender, though he caught seven passes for 70 yards, and seemed to showcase the potential for more.

But the season sputtered.

NHS finished 2-8.

A year later, Anderson, Roberts and Myers have become NHS' version of the "Big Three." They have exploded offensively (and, via Myers, defensively and on special teams, too). They've helped the Tigers get within one victory of the postseason.

"I think it's just a matter of everything coming together," offensive coordinator B.W. Trenary said.



The runner

Roberts has emerged as one of the top running backs in Class 6A. Last year he carried the ball 86 times for 371 yards and three touchdowns.

Now he's on the cusp of a 1,000-yard season and second in Class 6A with 965 yards on 187 carries. He's bumped his yards per carry from 4.31 as a freshman to 5.16 this year.

Opponents have had more luck stopping him in the backfield than for a 10-yard gain. His specialty has become the home run carry.

"He's got a lot of talent and he's fun to work with," Trenary said. "As a freshman, I think he was just going off instinct. He's beginning to understand the game. He's a very powerful runner."

In many ways, he's a chip off the old blocks, Ryan Broyles and Mossis Madu, who went from Harve Collins Field to Owen Field.

Could Roberts be following in their footsteps?

"Donovan's a (Division I) guy in the making, but there are a lot of things he needs to work on," Trenary said. "But I feel like, if he gets those taken care of, he can be."

Trenary then smiled and said, "But he'll only be a junior next year."

Roberts already speaks like an upper classman. But then, he's been playing varsity a season longer than most Tiger sophomores.

He, along with Myers, Anderson and Trenary, is quick to point out the success NHS' offensive line has had of late, despite losing some veterans to injury.

"We've had some sophomores step up to take over on the line, taking the spots of some of the seniors because of injuries," Roberts said. "They've stepped in and have done really well."



The quarterback

Anderson has grown into his role.

He completed 59-of-101 passes for 486 yards last season, but threw six interceptions to a single touchdown. This year is different. He's completed 71-for-128 for 793 yards, 12 touchdowns and five interceptions.

"He's had some success throwing the ball lately, and we've tweaked some things with the routes, with the protection," Trenary said. "He's more confident than he was at the beginning of the year. You complete two, three in a row, that builds your confidence."

Pass protection starts at the line, too.

"I have the best line I've had since I've been here," Anderson said. "We're loaded."



Triple threat

No one's had a bigger impact on the Tigers' success this season than Myers.

The junior is second in Class 6A with four interceptions, playing both cornerback and safety. He's second on the team with 144 yards rushing on 26 carries and he's caught 16 passes for 191 yards and four touchdowns. He's also one of the most dangerous kick returners in the state.

"Jaime's improved in all facets of his game," Trenary said. "Offensively, he's doing real well whether we split him out or put him in motion or use him in the backfield. Defensively he's been great at cornerback or when we moved him to safety. Special teams, that speaks for itself."

Since district play began, Nation and Trenary have also used Myers in their "TigerCat" formation, a version of the now-popular WildCat used by the Miami Dolphins.

Myers takes the snap in the TigerCat, and when he's lined up with Roberts, anything can happen.

"With both of them in the backfield, that's an added plus for us, because the defense has to react to those dual threats," Trenary said.

All three have upped their games and with their success has come success for the rest of the team. This season may have started off rough but things are finally coming together for the Tigers, and any one of their "Big Three" is always a threat to make a play.

"At the beginning, we weren't clicking as well," Myers said. "As it's gone on, we've all started bonding as a team. It's a brotherhood. Everything's working out."

Jeff Johncox 366-3535 jjohncox@normantranscript.com