Norman North's Roberts showing versatility early
Norman North star senior Jake Roberts will touch the football a lot this fall, and not always from his traditional tight end position.
Roberts will line up in the backfield as the Timberwolves' H-back to keep him more active while also using his big frame in blocking.
“We did it last year,” Roberts said. “It's how the offense is used. I can be put in a lot of different places. Whatever I need to do to help the team win. They can put me where they need me.”
Roberts, who is committed to North Texas, only caught eight passes for 76 yards and carried the ball once for a yard a year ago. Norman North went 2-8.
Getting him the football more can only help.
“Jake will play a big-time role,” Norman North coach Justin Jones said. “The H-back stuff allows us to manipulate formations. A lot of that is making sure he's very, very multiple in what we do.”
Fall media day Wednesday
The Oklahoman's annual Fall Sports Media Day is set for Wednesday at Bishop McGuinness High School.
The event will be held in the lobby of the gymnasium, beginning at 3:30 p.m. and ending at 7:30. The school is located at 801 Northwest 50th Street in Oklahoma City. Visitors are asked to enter from the Interstate 44 service road off Western Avenue.
Each Oklahoma City-area high school participating in football, fall baseball, volleyball, cross country and fastpitch softball is encouraged to bring athletes to meet The Oklahoman's high school coverage team for interviews and photos that will be used throughout the upcoming season.
Putnam City transitioning to motion offense
There's going to be plenty of movement on the new Putnam City Stadium turf this season.
Wide receivers going in motion. Quarterbacks always signaling someone to run across the formation. All to get the defense out of place.
Coach Jon Garfield implemented a new offense for Putnam City this offseason, one that makes the defense think and react quickly to rapid movement and quick handoffs in the backfield. He calls it somewhat of a flexbone look from the shotgun.
On the offensive side, the plays are simplified but tricky to cover. The hope is to give the Pirates a unique style, something to build upon, even if it takes time.
“I think we still have a lot of work to do,” Garfield said. “I have no idea what it's going to look like when we get out on the field, but that's what we have three weeks for is to work it out and make it right.”