Norman High (5-6) defeated Broken Arrow (3-8) 21-18 in the first round of the Oklahoma 6A-I playoffs at Harve Collins Stadium on Friday evening. It's NHS' first playoff win since 2012.

Junior quarterback Phoenix Murphy threw for a touchdown to junior wide receiver BJ Randle, his first of the season. Senior running back Devin Alexander rushed for a touchdown, his 12th of the season. On special teams, junior running back/defensive back Kamran Donald ran the opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown.

On defense, senior defensive back Kurt Carter snagged an interception on the final play of the first half. Senior linebacker Savion Owens recorded a crucial pass breakup on Broken Arrow's final offensive play to seal the victory.

Here are the highlights and takeaways from Norman High's playoff win:

Takeaways

Norman High starts fast

In the first quarter, Norman High got off to its dream start.

After Donald scored on the opening kickoff, NHS earned a quick defensive stop before scoring once again. On a 3rd and long, Murphy threw a 30-yard passing touchdown to Randle, who caught the pass while a Broken Arrow defender was committing pass interference.

On the kickoff return score, Norman High coach Rocky Martin attributed it to his team's game plan.

"They squeeze pretty hard in the middle of the field," Martin said. "I knew if he could get to the hash and the numbers quick, we would have a chance. We got good blocking there, too."

Randle said the play for his touchdown was designed for him, and credited Murphy's pass as the reason for the score.

"My number was called, and my quarterback was confident in me," Randle said. "After that, I just had to go make a play on the ball."

Norman High's defense drives victory

After allowing the third-most points in 6A-I District 2 in the regular season, Norman High's defense improved just in time.

NHS held its opponent under 20 points for only the second time this season, with the other coming in a 27-19 win over Mustang on Oct. 20. Broken Arrow quarterback Cooper Bates was held to zero passing touchdowns, and was forced into an interception by Carter on its final drive of the first half.

NHS made vital defensive plays in the second half as well, stopping Broken Arrow on a 4th and 3 from Norman High's 22-yard-line after an onside kick recovery. Then in the fourth quarter, NHS held Broken Arrow scoreless on its final two drives, sealing the game with Owens' pass breakup. 

Martin, who doubles as Norman High's defensive coordinator, praised his defense after the game.

"We came up with big stops when we needed to," Martin said. "They have really good athletes, so we had to get off the field. I think that the defense really stepped up."

Senior safety/quarterback Dax Noles believes Norman High's emphasis on run defense drove it to victory.

"We knew they were a run-heavy team, so we just had to shut that down," Noles said. "Once we contained the run, everything fell into place from there."

Students and players celebrate on field

After the game, Norman High students lined up beside the end zone, waiting patiently for their team's postgame photo to be taken.

Once it was, they rushed the field to celebrate. Students and players all celebrated together, gathering for Martin's postgame speech near the 20-yard-line. 11 years of frustration was let out, with Norman High also avenging its 47-20 playoff defeat to Broken Arrow last season.

For Martin, it's his first playoff win since becoming NHS' coach in 2017. After finally getting over the hurdle, he spoke about what it meant to him and others.

"This is huge for everybody," Martin said. "It's huge for the players, the coaching staff and the community. Everyone's done a phenomenal job all year, and this is such a big deal for everyone involved in our program."

With the win, Murphy believes he and his teammates have now left a legacy.

"It means a lot to us," Murphy said. "We've definitely left a legacy here at Norman High, and I think it'll bring us together more. We knew we had to beat them (after last year's defeat), and it means a lot for me to lead the team and make it happen."

Next, Norman High faces defending 6A-I champion Bixby (10-0) on the road next Friday at 7 p.m. The Spartans are ranked No. 1 in Oklahoma by Sports Illustrated and No. 41 nationally by MaxPreps.

Scoring plays

Norman High 21, Broken Arrow 18 (9:17 4th)

Senior running back Deshaun Caldwell rushed for an eight-yard touchdown. The two-point conversion was successful. 

Norman High 21, Broken Arrow 10 (11:26 4th)

Alexander rushed for a two-yard touchdown to restore Norman High's two-score lead.

Norman High 14, Broken Arrow 10 (8:29 3rd)

Senior kicker Hunter Martens converted a 27-yard field goal to cut Norman High's lead to four.

Norman High 14, Broken Arrow 7 (5:30 1st)

Bates rushed for a 75-yard score a quarterback keeper for Broken Arrow's first points.

Norman High 14, Broken Arrow 0 (6:08 1st)

Murphy found junior wide receiver BJ Randle for a 30-yard passing touchdown.

Norman High 7, Broken Arrow 0 (11:45 1st)

Donald returned the opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown.

Further Reading

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