Norman wins Crosstown Clash
NORMAN — A little momentum right before the half would go a long way for Norman.
Backed up inside its own 15, Norman North was looking to put a drive together to take the lead before half, trailing by one.
But Norman North quarterback Jacob Switzer, making his first varsity start, was overwhelmed by Norman's Cole Thompson as he came on a blitz up the middle.
Switzer fumbled and Norman's Cedrick Seals picked it up in the end zone to put Norman up by eight.
The Tigers wouldn't look back as they beat Norman North 28-12 for the first time since 2013.
The blitzing Norman defense would make its Crosstown Class rivals pay again to start the third quarter as Norman defender Sam Wishon came in untouched around the edge to knock the ball free again from Switzer. Defensive lineman Tevin Randle picked it up and ran it in from three yards out to make it 21-6.
Norman running back Exavier Smith had a huge game, rushing for more than 100 yards, including a backbreaking 59-yard run at the end of the third quarter to make it 28-6.
Norman North would answer as Switzer helped lead a drive back down the field, which was capped by a 4-yard plunge by Cole Mashburn, his second score on the night, to make it 28-12.
But it would not be enough as Norman managed to grind out the clock and take home the season-opening win.
Norman quarterback Cade Horton finished 7-of-14 for 140 yards and a score. For Norman North, Switzer finished with 101 yards passing on 7-of-18 passing.