The Norman High Tigers (6-4), coming off a 72-3 loss to Bixby High School (10-0), will need a short memory as they face the Tulsa Union Redhawks (4-6) in the first round of the Class 6A-1 Oklahoma playoffs.
Norman's game against Bixby was one to forget for the Tigers, as the Spartans jumped out to an early lead and did not take their foot off the gas. Though the Tigers were able to force four turnovers, they proved no match for a Bixby team with multiple highly touted recruits, including OU five-star offensive line commit Kaeden Penny.
The Tigers are also still juggling between quarterbacks. Junior quarterback Grayson May was on a short leash against Bixby before being pulled midway through the first quarter for senior wide receiver Crew Noles. Noles, who has totaled 20 touchdowns and 1,120 yards this season, has taken snaps at quarterback throughout the year — but not for all four quarters until the loss to Bixby.
Norman head coach Rocky Martin praised Noles’ versatility and willingness to step up for the team.
“He’s got the character of ‘Coach put me wherever you need me, …’” Martin said. “He's a tremendous kid and a tremendous athlete.”
As Norman looks ahead, it will be key to have senior running back Anthony Johnson in rhythm. Johnson has tallied 1,015 yards rushing on 145 carries this season, averaging 112.8 per game, but was shut down in the loss to Bixby.
Johnson and the Tigers will be competing against another run-centric team in the Redhawks. They have 2,112 yards on the ground this year, led by a one-two punch in senior running backs, Tayveon Parry-Speight and LJ McGhee. Parry-Speight leads the team with 962 yards on 125 carries and nine touchdowns. McGhee has rushed for 584 yards on 94 carries, adding three scores of his own.
The Tigers will kick off the first round of the playoffs against the Union Redhawks at 7 p.m. Friday in Union Tuttle Stadium in Tulsa.
“Throw the records out, we’re in the playoffs,” Martin said. “We’re going to prepare to win this game and take it one week at a time.”
This story was edited by Joshua McDaniel.
