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Norman High (1-0) defeated Norman North (0-1) 37-27 in their crosstown rivalry game on Friday at Harve Collins Stadium. It marked Norman High’s first win against Norman North since 2019.  

Next, Norman High faces Edmond Santa Fe at Edmond Santa Fe’s home stadium at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 13, as they look to keep winning.

Here are the highlights of the rivalry matchup.

Fast facts

  • After Norman High was shut out in the Crosstown Clash last year, they were able to execute offensively this year, scoring five touchdowns in the win.

  • Going into tonight, Norman High had a 5-10 record against Norman North in the last 15 years.

  • Norman High senior quarterback Phoenix Murphy displayed his excellent ability to execute deep throws, recording 472 passing yards on Friday.

  • In part to Norman High’s great pass rush on defense, Norman North junior wide receiver Mason James, who holds multiple SEC offers, was limited to one reception in the first half.

  • Norman High junior wide receiver Ryder Murphy and senior wide receiver B.J. Randle each contributed with two receiving touchdowns.

What They Said

Murphy on the joy of winning a rivalry game: “I’ve never beat them before, so it feels great.  I love it.  I love the rivalry, the competition … I live for that.”

Murphy on scoring early: “As an offense, you always want to put points on the board. I think we knew we needed it, and we came out and got it.”

Randle on his connection with Murphy: “We go way back from middle school. We’re close, (my) family is his family and we work everyday together.”

Murphy on his exceptional passing ability: “I think that the problem with most quarterbacks is they (use) too much arm. It’s all in the lower half. (You) just got to rotate and throw the ball.”

Senior corner Kenneth Rosario on their strong defense: “Just our guys (that work) every day, they come in, they get their jobs and they execute.  They played physical, and that’s what we needed.”

Scoring Plays

Norman High 6-0 Norman North (2:08 left in first quarter)

Phoenix Murphy connects with Ryder Murphy in the end zone to score the first touchdown of the game.

Norman High 6-6 Norman North (10:53 left in second quarter) 

Norman North senior quarterback Owen Eshelman finds sophomore slot receiver Vlad Afanasiev for a receiving touchdown.

Norman High 9-6 Norman North (7:22 left in second quarter)

Norman High adds three points, with junior kicker Ian McKee’s field goal.

Norman High 16-6 Norman North (About 35 seconds left in second quarter)

Through the Murphy-Randle connection, Norman High adds another touchdown.

Norman High 23-6 Norman North (8:55 left in third quarter)

Murphy and Randle connect on another touchdown, extending the lead.

Norman High 23-13 Norman North (8:55 left in third quarter)

Norman North bounces back, with Eshelman finding senior running back Will Lundquist.

Norman High 23-19 Norman North (24 seconds left in third quarter)

After Eshelman’s pass, James makes an amazing run down the field to make the score closer.

Norman High 30-19 Norman North (9:18 left in fourth quarter)

Scrambling away from pressure, Phoenix Murphy makes a spectacular throw to Ryder Murphy.

Norman High 30-27  Norman North (7:19 left in fourth quarter)

Eshelman rushes for the touchdown, and James successfully completes the two-point conversion.

Norman High 37-27  Norman North (3:34 left in fourth quarter)

Norman High tight end Crew Noles scores the final touchdown of the night, as he rushes into the end zone.

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