Norman Tigers Team Breakdown – Pigskin Preview 2018 – Presented by Landers Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Norman

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NORMAN TIGERS

Coach: ROCKY MARTIN  

Quick Hits:

Cade Horton put quite a scare into Norman North in the Crosstown Clash. Horton threw for 342 yards and four scores with another 82 rushing and a touchdown. The Tigers came up just short losing 49-43 to their arch-rival.

The Tigers allowed a Class 6A-Division I worst 47.3 points per game in 2017. Norman did finish the season with its best two defensive efforts, including a 28-14 win over Ponca City in week 9.

Deer Creek returns to the schedule after a two-year absence. The teams split the only other meetings in history with the Antlers winning 31-22 in 2015 and the Tigers 14-7 in 2014.

Last 5 Years:

2017 – 1-9

2016 – 1-9

2015 – 1-9

2 014 – 2-8

2013 – 5-5

OFFENSE

Head coach Rocky Martin feels the team is headed in the right direction. Another year of experience for several of his returning starters could translate into more wins for the Tigers. 

“I felt we took steps in the right direction last season. We have some players with a year of experience at key positions returning. The kids have had a good offseason and are looking forward to the season,” said coach Martin. 

One of the eight returning starters to the team on offense is quarterback Cade Horton (6-2, 180, Jr.). Horton averaged 200 yards passing per game last season with 11 touchdowns. Four of those touchdowns went to wide out Andrew Young (6-1, 170, Jr.). A big target, Young accounted for over 500 yards of offense last season. Harvey Cooper (5-10, 155, Sr.) is another receiver to keep an eye on this year. Cooper has excellent speed and can get open. The offensive line is anchored by a pair of seniors and a junior at tackle. Yemi Oyesanya (6-0, 240, Sr.) will start at guard with Robert Kowaleski (6-2, 230, Sr.) at center. Ben Sparks (6-3, 270, Jr.) will play tackle giving the Tigers three solid players up front. Offensive coordinator Mike Collins will base the offense out of the spread. 

DEFENSE

A trio of linebackers will grace the field for the Tigers giving them three run stoppers and guys that cover if called upon. Cole Thompson (6-1, 205, Jr.) leads the way with Tyren Robb (5-10, 200, Jr.) coming off a nice season a year ago when he recorded 90 tackles, one interception, one sack and forced a fumble. Sam Wishon (6-2, 190, Sr.) is a big, hard-hitting prospect in the middle. Gunnar Luna (5-11, 160, Sr.) will start at defensive back where his closing ability and speed will come into play. Up front look for nose guard Wyatt Gagnon (6-1, 260, Sr.) and end Tevin Randle (6-1, 195, Sr.). Both players can pressure the quarterback and cause problems in the backfield of their opponents. 

“Defensively we will be an aggressive defense that will be sound in our techniques and fundamentals,” said coach Martin. Other coaches on the staff includes BW Trenary, John Baldwin, Larry Mormon, Levont’e Douglas, Brent Hartsock, Alex Knox, Dylan Cox and Chase Frazier. 

Schedule:

8-30 – at Norman North (OU)

9-7 – vs. Deer Creek

9-14 – at Moore

9-21 – at Yukon

9-28 – vs. Broken Arrow

10-4 – at Edmond Memorial

10-12 – vs. Enid

10-19 – at Jenks

10-26 – vs. Westmoore

11-2 – vs. Edmond Santa Fe