HSFB: Previewing No. 3 Norman North vs. No. 4 Southmoore

There’s never been a lot of love for the west side when it comes to high school football, but this Friday will be the exception. One of the most anticipated games of the season will take place this weekend when the top two teams from this side of the state, No. 3 Norman North (5-0) and No. 4 Southmoore (4-1), will square off with bragging rights on the line.

Here are three things from the matchup to keep an eye on:

Casey Thompson is really good

The son of Charles Thompson and the brother of Kendall Thompson, it’s no surprise that Casey is an athletic specimen, but the numbers he puts up on a weekly basis are out of this world. Thompson, who has multiple division one offers that include Oklahoma, Ohio State, Oklahoma State and Penn State, has thrown for nearly 1,300 yards and 17 touchdowns while giving opposing defenses nightmares.

Thompson is fresh off a five touchdown performance in a Sabercats’ blowout of Edmond North, and the junior can also get the job done on the ground as well. Thompson has seven rushing scores to his name as well, and his running ability has kept every defense he’s faced off balance.  

The dual threat quarterback is a legit playmaker, and it helps that he has a stud offensive lineman in Brey Walker, who also has multiple division one offers.

Norman North’s receivers

Timberwolves’ quarterback Brandon Marquardt claims that Norman North has the three best receivers in the state, and when looking at the numbers, it’s hard to argue with his assessment.

Led by junior Drake Stoops, the Timberwolves receiving corps that also includes seniors Charlie Kolar and Collin Klein have all three totaled at least 445 yards receiving. Kolar is an Iowa State commit who also has offers from Air Force, Army and Stephen F. Austin, while Stoops and Klein each have eight scores to their name.

The trio was a big factor in Norman North’s blowout of Mustang for the second straight season, and should be a factor when the Timberwolves travel to Southmoore.

Marquardt can sling it, too

Marquardt was very complimentary of his group of receivers, but maybe the senior should be patting himself on the back as well. Marquardt already has 20 touchdowns on the season and has thrown for over 1,800 yards while leading the Timberwolves to an undefeated record.

Norman North has scored at least 48 points in every game this season, while the closest game they’ve had was against Putnam City North in week four, where the Timberwolves won by 35 points.

There’s no doubt Norman North has a potent offense, but Marquardt will square off with the best secondary he’s faced all season on Friday. Southmoore has two division one players in Quindon Lewis and Gervarrius Owens in the defensive backfield, so it will be interesting to see how he performs when he’s tested.