Behr Boyd

Norman High (1-3) defeated Edmond North (2-3) 34-28 on Friday evening at Harve Collins Stadium, capturing its first win of the season.

Having zero touchdown passes before Friday's win, junior quarterback Phoenix Murphy threw four against the Huskies. Senior safety/wide receiver Dax Noles and sophomore wide receiver Ryder Murphy each caught two touchdowns. 

The Tigers earned two defensive takeaways, both being interceptions from Noles and senior defensive back Jaiden Cooper. Cooper's interception with 3:30 in the fourth quarter was enough to seal the game. 

Here are the highlights and takeaways from the game:

Takeaways

The Murphys light up Huskies defense

With all of its touchdowns coming through rushing or special teams this season, Norman High's passing offense struggled in its first three games.

But against Edmond North, it was anything but that. Phoenix's four passing touchdowns were crucial to the Tigers' victory, including the eventual game-winning 19-yard toss to Noles with 7:08 left to go. Two of Phoenix's other passing touchdowns were caught by his little brother, Ryder, his first two touchdown catches on Norman High's varsity team.

Murphy attributed the Tigers' sudden air attack to Norman High's offensive line and his connection with Ryder. 

"It started with the guys up front," Phoenix said. "I love them to death and I trust them. They really put it down for me, so I had to get it back for them.

"Ryder? That's my guy. We've lived together and grown up together. I'm always gonna look for him. We've always been close our whole lives, so he's an easy target for me."

Ryder said he wasn't open on either of his touchdown catches, but found space to score anyway.

"I wasn't open, I just had to make the space to get open and score," Ryder said. "It was the same for the second one. I just knew I had them beat all night. It didn't matter where they were, as soon as I caught that ball I knew I was gone."

After Phoenix's struggles, Norman High head coach Rocky Martin was happy to see his quarterback step up.

"We worked the passing game a lot," Martin said. "Sometimes, it may not seem like it, but we do. There were times where he had a lot of time, and he had to escape and find receivers. I thought he did well in keeping his eyes downfield. He did a good job for us."

In addition to his four touchdowns, Phoenix went 12-for-15 on his passes for 243 yards.

Savion Owens

Senior outside linebacker Savion Owens (far right) drags the dogpile down during the game against Edmond North on Sept. 22.

Noles does it all for Tigers

For the entire game, Noles was a thorn in Edmond North's side.

The two-way player, who announced he accepted a walk-on spot at Oklahoma on Sunday, made vital plays on offense and defense. He caught his first two passing touchdowns of the season and recorded an interception with 5:13 left in the second quarter.

Before the game, Noles quickly reminded his teammates about it being Norman High's homecoming game. 

"I started talking about it and said 'Hey, it's our homecoming game. This is a big deal,'" Noles said. "I let them know that we had to bring the energy up. We felt way more confident, and everyone was making plays."

Noles has three touchdowns this season, with the other coming on a 60-yard punt return against Stillwater on Sept. 14.

Norman High students rush field after win

After the game ended, Norman High's student section rushed the field to celebrate with the Tigers.

While unconventional, the Tigers were elated because of it. Normally, Norman High players have to talk with family and friends under the stands after games. This time, the Tigers got to celebrate with them on the field.

For Noles, that's something he loved doing.

"It was really cool," Noles said. "I got a lot of buddies from different schools and guys that don't play football. I (was able) to talk with them right there. I got to celebrate with them, so it was a great experience."

For Phoenix, he saw it as a moment of school pride.

"It's a great feeling," Phoenix said. "When you give your school a win and they react like that, it's (great). I always want to put it down for my school, and it's gonna give us all a great feeling heading into next week."

Next, Norman High will go on the road to face Edmond Memorial (2-3) at 7 p.m. next Friday.

Scoring Plays

Norman High 34, Edmond North 28 (7:08 4th)

Phoenix Murphy threw his fourth passing touchdown to Noles. The extra point was no good after the 19-yard score.

Edmond North 28, Norman High 28 (10:12 4th)

Running back Cal Reeder tied the game on a long 63-yard touchdown rush.

Norman High 28, Edmond North 21 (1:12 3rd)

Quarterback Pryce Bender found wide receiver Jace Lakin for a 59-yard passing touchdown. 

Norman High 28, Edmond North 14 (2:35 3rd)

Senior running back Devin Alexander scored his seventh rushing touchdown of the season from 68 yards out. Noles ran in his second two-point conversion.

Norman High 20, Edmond North 14 (6:27 3rd)

Phoenix Murphy hooked up with Ryder Murphy for a 62-yard touchdown. Noles ran in a two-point conversion. This was the first time the Tigers had the lead.

Edmond North 14, Norman High 12 (5:13 2nd)

After an interception from Noles, the Tigers capitalize with a 27-yard passing touchdown from Phoenix Murphy to Ryder Murphy. The extra point was no good after a 35-yard try due to an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

Edmond North 14, Norman High 6 (0:25 1st)

Running back Dev Matthews responds with an 88-yard rushing touchdown.

Edmond North 7, Norman High 6 (1:00 1st)

Murphy threw his first passing touchdown of the season to Noles for 58 yards. The extra point was blocked.

Edmond North 7, Norman High 0 (2:15 1st)

Bender found wide receiver Braden Turner for a 13-yard score.

Further Reading

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