Norman Tigers Fall to Crosstown Rival

Originally Published: Sep 4, 2009 12:19 AM CDT

Corey DeMoss
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

NORMAN, Oklahoma – The Norman Tigers hung with rival Norman North during the first half, but couldn’t keep up after halftime on the way to a 30-9 loss.

The scoring started when Norman North linebacker Nick Canavan blocked a punt that resulted in a safety. Canavan then followed that with a rushing touchdown to put the Timberwolves up 9-0.

Norman’s offense sputtered to begin the game, and did not get a first down until nine minutes into the first quarter. The Tigers’ first sustained drive came at the end of the first quarter, which ended with a Logan Hammons field goal to make it 9-3.

Norman intercepted an attempted fake punt at midfield near the end of the first half, giving the Tigers a chance to take the lead going into halftime. But the offense stalled again, and didn’t have another scoring opportunity until late in the fourth quarter.

The Norman offense finished with just 41 total yards in the first half to North’s 164. The Tigers stayed close thanks to three costly turnovers by the Timberwolves.

Norman North fixed those problems in the second half and ran away with the game. The Timberwolves scored three unanswered touchdowns to take a 30-3 lead before Norman added a late score. North blocked the extra point to finish the scoring at 30-9.

Norman North finished with 395 total yards to Norman’s 142. The Tigers will now move on to play Del City Sept. 11.