Norman North Timberwolves 2023 Preview

NORMAN NORTH TIMBERWOLVES

Norman North enters the 2023 season and year six under the leadership of Justin Jones, after another successful campaign in 2022. The Timberwolves won each of their final six regular season games, topping East-side powers Broken Arrow and Jenks in back-to-back weeks.

North finished second in the rugged District 6A-I1, earning the chance to host a quarterfinal contest against Owasso. Unfortunately, star quarterback Kamden Sixkiller suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in the regular-season finale and missed the 4134 playoff loss to the Rams.

All in all, 2022 was a very successful 8-3 mark. After just five combined wins in the first two seasons of the Jones era, Norman North has eclipsed the six-win plateau in the past three seasons.

“A culture of consistency is standard here,” Jones said. “Our guys are very businesslike, and they understand what we’re going to do and the process that we have. When expectations are clearly defined, I think it makes it much easier.”

Norman North opens its season with non-district contests against Norman, Edmond Santa Fe and Yukon. Then, it’s the daunting three-game gauntlet of Bixby, Broken Arrow and Jenks.

OFFENSE

Norman North will have a new triggerman for its spread attack this season. Junior Owen Eshelman (6’2”, 165lbs) takes over for the Timberwolves. Though it was under unfortunate circumstances when Sixkiller was injured, Eshelman was pressed into duty to close out last season. He performed admirably, completing 14 of 22 passes for 303 yards and three touchdowns, against a pair of interceptions.

“The most important thing I think for a quarterback at the 6A level is getting experience,” Jones said of Eshelman’s starting experience. “Having those reps against Owasso was important and against Enid when he came in and took over immediately for Kam.” With a spring and summer of growth under his belt, Jones feels like it has its next talented signal-caller in Eshelman.

“I think he has all the tools that you want to be a successful quarterback,” Jones said. “One of the smartest guys that we’ve had. I think that’s first and foremost. The second thing is Owen’s an incredible athlete. He’s a multi-sport guy. The third factor for me is that he is one of the most competitive guys on the team.”

North is replacing both of its top two running backs from last season as well. The Timberwolves will turn to junior Will Lundquist (5’8”, 155 lbs) and move-in back Latrell Williams.

“Really like what Will Lundquist has been doing this spring. He is as fast as anybody that we’ve had and plays with great vision,” Jones said. “Latrell Williams has immersed himself within our culture and really fits in. You wouldn’t know that he moved in less than a year ago.”

Regarding skill weapons, North has depth at the tight-end position but will heavily feature senior tight end Duante Moses (6’1”, 220lbs).

“Duante is as good as anybody on our team - one of the strongest guys, pound-for-pound, and a great leader for us,” Jones said.

Senior Luke Freeland (6’3”, 180lbs) is moving over to tight end and has enjoyed a great spring and summer, per Jones. Junior Garrison Utley (6’2”, 240lbs) is another name to watch in this group.

At wide receiver, North is set to fill the loss of talented receivers Cason Cabbiness and Brayden Dorney. The T-Wolves will look to senior Zain Prater (5’11”, 175lbs), junior Carter Hammer (5’6”, 135lbs) and freshman defensive phenom, turned do-it-all offensive weapon in sophomore Mason James (5’11”, 160lbs).

Along its offensive line, it all starts with the two offensive tackles. Kansas-commit and senior offensive tackle Harrison Utley (6’4”, 290lbs) will be a key piece, as will senior Kasen Lea (6’4”, 255lbs) who has an offer from UNLV, among others.

“When you look at our two tackles, both move well and play with a nasty demeanor on the field,” Jones said. “I think that’s where our offensive line, at its core, starts.”

On the interior of its offensive line, the Timberwolves return junior center Eric McMullan (5’11”, 280lbs) and senior guard Cooper Vicsek (6’0”, 260lbs). Senior Landen Collier (6’1”, 245lbs) is another name to watch at guard.

“At this level to be successful on offense, you’ve got to have a great offensive line,” Jones said. “We’re going to be able to play seven or eight of those guys in a rotation, especially interiorly.”

DEFENSE

Defensively, Norman North bases out of a 3-4 defense, but the Timberwolves won’t be shy to morph into four- or five-down defensive alignments when called upon.

“I think this is the first time at Norman North that we’ve returned as many defensive players as we have,” Jones said. “Defense should be a place that we can hang our hat on.”

Jones likes his defensive line’s athleticism and notes that the Timberwolves will be a little bigger on the line this season.

North has moved senior nose guard Finn Smith (6’1”, 230lbs) outside. Senior Isaac Morgan (6’0”, 240lbs) will primarily man the other defensive end position but will also play some nose guard. Junior Jack Udy (5’11”, 270lbs) swings over from the offensive side of the football to take over nose guard duties. Garrison Utley will factor into the defensive line rotation as well.

Senior Carver Rogers (6’1”, 180lbs) will man one of the outside backer positions, while junior Logan Richard (6’1”, 240lbs) will be counted upon inside.

“(Rogers) understands what we’re trying to do defensively, all the nuances and intricacies that that position takes,” Jones said. “You’ll see him lined up as a safety, as a linebacker, sometimes he’ll be down as a defensive end.”

The Timberwolves will also feature Moses and senior Jake Martin (5’11”, 200lbs) inside and junior Tate Johnson (5’10”, 180lbs) on the outside opposite of Rogers. In the secondary, senior Camden Pratcher (5’11”, 165lbs) will start at one of the corners. A terrific athlete, Pratcher won 6A’s long jump state title last spring. Pratcher will be joined by seniors Elias Battle (5’9”, 180lbs), Curtis Miller (5’11”, 160lbs) and James at corner. At safety, Battle could swing some double duty.

Seniors Owen Flowers (5’8”, 160lbs) and Levi Chaffin (5’9”, 170lbs) are also expected to contribute. A couple of other names to watch include juniors Reece Crandall (5’8”, 160lbs) and Rhett Zimmerman (5’10”, 160lbs).