2025 Norman Tigers – Football Preview – Presented by David Ritter, Shelter Insurance

NORMAN TIGERS

Coach: ROCKY MARTIN

10-2

OFFENSE

There were plenty of highlights last season for the Tigers of Norman High School. Head coach Rocky Martin had the team rolling into the playoffs before a quarterfinal’s loss would end the epic run the Tigers made through the regular season and the first round of the playoffs. Six starters make their return to the offense for OC Chase Cooksey. Crew Noles (5-11, 170, Sr.) is an outstanding athlete and wide receiver for the Tigers. Last season he made 51 receptions for 815 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also added 38 carries for 230 rushing yards and seven TDs. Hayes Hartsock (5-10, 175, Sr.) is another big play receiver accounting for 624 yards on 38 receptions with four TDs. This tandem will be tough to defend. Running back Anthony Johnson (6-1, 205, Sr.) had 88 carries for 682 yards and three TDs. He added 11 receptions for 120 yards and two scores in the passing game. The all-around back is not only tough to stop, but he has a nose for the endzone. The offensive line features Julius Stephens (6-6, 315, Sr.) and Collin Patterson (6-1, 260, Sr.) at the tackle spot with Brody Hailey (6-0, 260, Sr.) at center. Stephens is a VYPE Top 100 selectee and a three-year starter for the Tigers. The offensive coaching staff consists of BW Trenary-OL, Kyle Whitson-WR, and Dionte Defreeze-RB.

DEFENSE

There are a lot of positives for the defense coming into the new season. With six starters back, coach Martin has a nucleus that can help this team be a force on the field. Noah Hoelzer (6-0, 215, Sr.) starts at inside linebacker with Ethan Young (6-0, 190, Sr.) starting at outside linebacker. This pair of old school backers will fly around the field making plays. Hoelzer made 114 tackles with five sacks, 12 TFLs and one fumble recovery last season while Young accounted for 70 tackles, three QB pressures and one INT. The defensive line features Royce King (6-3, 270, Sr.) at tackle and Jaydon Spencer (6-0, 195, Sr.) at defensive end. King was stellar at end with 45 tackles, 16 QB pressures and three sacks. Spencer was active as well making 48 tackles, 20 QB pressures and two sacks. Opposing offenses must account for them on every play. Oakley Caruthers (6-3, 285, Jr.) is a nose guard/tackle who recorded 58 tackles and six sacks as a sophomore. The secondary features Addox Sanders (6-2, 170, Sr.) at corner and Harris Volentine (5-10, 165, Sr.) at safety. Sanders logged two INTs with 39 tackles and seven PBUs while Volentine made 56 tackles with one INT and one PBU.

9-5 – at Norman North

9-12 – vs. Edmond Santa Fe

9-19 – vs. Piedmont

9-26 – at Edmond North

10-3 – vs. Jenks

10-9 – at Enid

10-17 – vs. Moore

10-24 – at Deer Creek

10-31 – vs. Mustang

11-7 – vs. Bixby