By Jeff Johncox
What would a victory over Lawton Eisenhower mean for Norman High tonight?
Well, it would mean the Tigers are a playoff team for the first time since falling in the first round to rival Norman North in 2006.
It would mean the tough transition from former coach Butch Peters to second-year coach Greg Nation is on the right track.
"There are 16 teams playing next Friday night," Nation said. "We want to be one of those 16. It's an extra week you get to play. You always talk with other coaches before the season, how the goal is to be practicing Thanksgiving Day. If you're practicing Thanksgiving Day, you've had a great season."
A win would mean NHS is a program rising again after two tough seasons.
That 30-27 playoff loss to the Timberwolves three years ago began the downward trend.
NHS finished 3-7 in 2007, and 2-8 last year, after Nation took over for Peters.
"This week, it would be a big win for us," linebacker Greg Offenburger said. "We haven't been to the playoffs in three years. To make it to the playoffs and succeed at the next level would be something special."
The Tigers have had an up and down season, beating Moore, Putnam City West, Putnam City and Westmoore, but falling to North, Del City, Edmond North, Edmond Memorial and Midwest City.
They've managed to keep their postseason hopes alive despite season-long injury issues.
A victory over the Eagles would put them at 5-5, a three-game improvement from a season ago.
More importantly, it would give Nation and his staff much to build on.
"The biggest thing, our kids know you get rewarded for your efforts and hard work," Nation said. "It would say a lot for our program, the direction we're headed.
"Obviously, for our seniors, it makes for a great year to go to the playoffs ... That's something those kids will always have."
If the Tigers pull out the Senior Night victory, they might have to do it without sophomore running back Donovan Roberts, who was injured in last week's loss to the Bombers.
Roberts has rushed for over 1,000 yards this season and will be replaced in the backfield by Jaime Myers and Rico Pace. Myers will be replaced at flanker by Brad Davis.
"Everyone's beat up this time of year," Nation said.
The Eagles deploy the rarely-seen-in-Class 6A option offense, something the Tiger defense will have to look out for.
"It's a little different for us," Nation admitted. "It's a little different for every team they play."
While a victory tonight would be big, vaulting the Tigers back into the postseason, the Tigers aren't willing to give up there. A victory just means there's more to play for.
"We're going to try and make it as far as we can," Offenburger said. "I think we'll keep improving. This team's like a family, and we'll come together even more for the playoffs. Hopefully we can make it pretty far."
Jeff Johncox 366-3535 jjohncox@normantranscript.com
