HI G H S C H O O L FO OTBAL L PREVIEW
NORMAN NORTH TIMBERWOLVES
Photos by: Mark Doescher
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“A lot of guys coming back...should help us tremendously on offense.”
50 | August 2021
Justin Jones
orman North was poised for a breakthrough year heading into last season and the season played out that way for the Timberwolves as they returned to the postseason for the first time since 2017 in a 6-4 campaign. Now, the T-Wolves turn the page looking to make it back-to-back playoff berths. After all of the COVID-19 uncertainty and precautions, an off-season without that cloud has been refreshing. “I think some normalcy has been brought back for our kids,” Norman North head football coach Justin Jones said. “Kids are obviously resilient, but just getting back and around each other every day, I think for us built that bond back. There’s just not a substitute for that.” North will have a new starting quarterback. Either Gavin Frakes (Sr, 6’4”, 200) or Kamden Sixkiller (Jr, 6’3”, 156) will assume the signal-calling duties. “Gavin Frakes has really done a tremendous job,” Jones said. “He was the immediate backup last season and did a great job behind Jackson Remualdo. Gavin’s right now kind of sitting in the driver’s seat with Kamden Sixkiller next to him. It should be a pretty good battle going into fall camp.” Jones said the competition will continue through fall camp before a starter is named. Whichever direction the Timberwolves go, the offense will be directed by an athletic quarterback. “They’re both dynamic. Gavin brings size… strong and fast, has a live arm. Gavin has all the intangibles. It’s just putting it all together. With Kam, another tall, lanky quarterback, same thing. Kam is very cerebral,” Jones said. Up front on the offensive line, North returns center Walker Peck (Sr, 6’2”, 285). Peck boasts several collegiate offers and could also play some guard if need be. Riley Tatum (Sr, 6’2”, 306) and Ben Wiebelhaus (Sr, 5’10”, 307) are expected to start at the two guard positions. Harrison Utley (So, 6’2”, 250) will start at one of the tackle positions, while Bryce Christian (Jr, 6’1”, 230) and Damon Hinchey (Jr, 6’3”, 234) are battling for the other starting position at tackle. Jones said he feels Utley has the potential to wind up as a power-five offensive lineman. At the skill positions, it starts with running back Chapman McKown (Jr, 5’7”, 155). “Obviously, Chapman is the returner in the backfield,” Jones said. “Chapman is as electric as anybody I’ve ever coached and will be a tremendous asset for us.” He will be joined in the backfield by Carson Samson (Jr, 5’9”, 198) and Trey Laubach (Sr, 5’10”, 171) and Jackson Lundquist (Jr, 6’,
