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Norman Football Feature – Presented by Landers Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Norman

NORMAN TIGERS 

Coach: ROCKY MARTIN  

Schedule:
9-5 – vs. Norman North 

9-13 – at Deer Creek 

9-19 – vs. Moore 

9-27 – vs. Yukon 

10-4 – at Broken Arrow 

10-10 – vs. Edmond Memorial 

10-18 – at Enid 

10-25 – vs. Jenks 

11-1 – at Westmoore 

11-8 – at Edmond Santa Fe 

Last 6 Years:
2018 – 6-5

2017 – 1-9 

2016 – 1-9

2015 – 1-9 

2014 – 2-8 

2013 – 5-5

Quick Hits:

The Tigers ended five game losing streaks to both Edmond Santa Fe and Norman North in 2018 while carding their first winning season since 2012.

Quarterback Cade Horton produced 396 yards of total offense and threw for all four of the Tigers touchdowns in a 31-28 first round playoff loss to Owasso. 

Running back Joe Willie shredded the Westmoore defense for 237 yards and three touchdowns in a 48-42 win over the Jaguars. 

OFFENSE 

The last time the Norman Tigers won a state championship was 1992. They defeated Lawton Eisenhower at Lewis Field in Stillwater behind the play of Brian Self at quarterback and Tyrell Peters at running back. The pair produced yards and touchdowns to lead the Tigers to their first state championship in 31 years. 

Fast-forward to 2019 and a another QB/RB combo in Cade Horton (6-2, 190, Sr.) and Joe Willie (5-10, 165, Sr.) are looking to do the same thing 27 years later. Horton passed for 1,919 yards and threw for 14 TDs last season, and also rushed for 1,009 yards and 11 TDs. Willie rushed for 1,357 yards on 182 carries averaging 7.5 per carry. 

But just like with the 1992 team, the talent pool doesn’t stop with the QB and RB. Ben Sparks (6-4, 285, Sr.) will start at tackle, where he recorded 65 pancake blocks as a junior. Brandon Andrews (6-3, 290, Sr.) will start at guard giving the Tigers the foundation for a great offensive line. 

Andrew Young (6-1, 185, Sr.) caught 46 balls for 924 yards a year ago and his production is expected to increase in 2019. Jonah Paden (6-2, 185, Sr.) had 24 receptions for 574 yards last season. 

“We will be a well-balanced offense that has the ability to stretch the field,” coach Rokcy Martin said, “with a number of skilled players returning and a physical offensive line up front.” 

DEFENSE

For as much fanfare as the 1992 offense received, people in the know will tell you it was the defense that got the job done. In fact, all of Norman’s All-Staters in 1992 came from the defensive unit. The 2019 Tigers include several players who could follow suit. 

Cole Thompson (6-1, 210, Sr.) at linebacker is an Oklahoma State commit. Last season Thompson accounted for 120 tackles and three sacks with 13 TFLs and two fumble recoveries. His production is big-time. Cedric Seals (5-8, 165, Sr.) will start at outside linebacker. Seals notched 67 tackles and three sacks a year ago. 

Braeden Woods (6-0, 270, Sr.) at noseguard had 72 tackles and three sacks last season. All three guys will be major factors for this Tiger defense. 

Also look for Jackson Caldwell (5-6, 150, Sr.) at strong safety. Caldwell had 80 tackles, one pick and four pass breakups as a junior. Kevin Randle (5-10, 160, Sr.) will state at corner and Isaac Raymond (5-10, 160, Jr.) gets the job at free safety. 

“Coming off one of the most successful seasons in recent years, I feel like we are making strides in the right direction,” Martin said. “The guys have bought in to what we’re trying to accomplish this year and we are excited about the upcoming season.”

The excitement in the community is building and rightfully so. This team has a shot at not only being good, but making history. 

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