Boyd Street August 2021

In a season unlike any other, Noble and head coach Greg George didn’t have the 2020 they had hoped for following their 10-2 record in 2019. The Bears finished 4-7 due in part to a difficult schedule, a youthful roster and a few key injuries, but George is thankful the season was played and his team completed their full schedule.

“I am just grateful we had the support we had from our administration, Frank Solomon (Superintendent of Noble Public Schools), to be able to have everything ready for us day one to have a season and not miss a game,” the seventh-year head coach said. “The spring sports didn’t get a season and we were able to go throughout the season without missing a game. Credit to our kids and staff because not every team was that lucky.”

The quarterback position features a familiar last name as another Fisher will orchestrate the offense in 2021. Colin Fisher (Jr, 6’3”, 195), brother of former Noble quarterback Hunter Fisher, will enter camp as the starter after taking over midseason when now senior Trevor “Chilli” Lorenz (Sr, 6’3”, 195) missed part of the season due to injury. George said the move allowed Lorenz, who is committed to play wide receiver for Air Force and also sports a 4.0 GPA, to move back to his natural position.

“Colin came in week two after Trevor got hurt and he just made it clear he was ready to start,” he said. “That just made us a better team because ‘Chilli’ is a Division One caliber wide receiver and it opened up the offense that much more. Colin was impressive too. He wasn’t just good enough. He’s what you want in a quarterback because he loves to play football. He’s a great athletic talent because he has a bright future in baseball.”

It remains to be seen whether two of Noble’s top receivers in 2020--Lorenz and L.T. Taylor (Jr, 5’8”, 160)--will see game action in 2021 after both suffered significant injuries while participating in winter sports. In their stead, Trevor Wardrip (Sr, 6’1”, 180), Cayden Dominey (Sr, 6’2”, 180) and Brandon Harper (Jr, 5’10”, 170) will be looked upon as Fisher’s top targets in 2021.

George looks to utilize a running back by committee this season with a group of talented backs like Colin Thomas (Jr,

5’8”, 165), Barhett Crawley (Sr, 5’10”, 175), senior Tavion Givens (Sr, 5’10”, 210), Devin Knight (Jr, 5’9”, 175) and Dre Williams (Sr, 5’8”, 195).

The position group George has the most reason for excitement is the offensive line where he starts seniors at all five positions. From left to right, the Bears will start Austin Tener (Sr, 6’2”, 250), Nick Lowman (Sr, 5’11”, 270), Caden Reed (Sr, 5’11”, 250), Braydon McDonald (Sr, 5’11”, 220) and Trenton Hickock (Sr, 6’4”, 250).

“They will be a strong point for us for sure,” George said. “They are all seniors and they’ve had great years in the weight room. They are athletic 250-pound and up guys that can move. They look like they are ready, and they’ll be the key for us.”

Many of those same names will be a feature part of the rotation on the defensive line as well. Tener, Lowman, Reed and Hickock all will get playing time on the other side of the ball with Givens also playing the nose tackle position.

The linebacker room is crowded with talented players and is led by Dominey and Bryson Crawley (Sr, 5’11”, 180). George is still looking for two linebackers to separate themselves from the field as he looks to fill out his 3-4 scheme. Vying for the last two spots are Thomas, Knight, Colton Hester (Sr, 5’10”, 175), Robbie Bear (Sr, 5’10”, 175) and senior Barhett Crawley.

The secondary is preparing for the possibility of the absence of Lorenz and Taylor, both of whom would be slated for starting positions. The Bears defense will feature Williams, Wardrip, Logan Kirby (So, 5’9”, 165) and the standout of the group to George, corner Brandon Harper.

“He’s a smart kid and has played for us since he was a freshman,” he said. “He’s done some big things for us already and the lights aren’t too big for him. He’s the type of guy we feel like we can put on the other team’s best receiver and he’ll be okay.”

Noble is scheduled to open the season Sept. 3 at Blanchard and host El Reno on Sept. 24 to start district play. –BSM