Norman North Timberwolves OK 2024 Team Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Get 25% Off Your Subscription By Entering Knight25 In The Coupon Code Area. Enjoy!</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's the month of July and that means it's preview time! Throughout the month of July and even into August, we are publishing well over 100 of the most in-depth team previews that you'll find anywhere to get you completely ready for the 2024 football season. This is something that began for us at PRZ-Oklahoma in 2021 and it continues to get bigger and better every single year. We're looking forward to diving deep into the top teams across the state in every class. From defending champions, to the top contenders and plenty of dark horses and other teams to know, we'll have complete coverage every single day. There will be multiple previews dropping every single day! In this post, we take a look at the Norman North Timberwolves!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Norman North Timberwolves&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #5 In Class 6A-1<br>Preseason Coaches Ranking: #5 In Class 6A-1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Head Coach: Justin Jones - 7th Season - 35-29 Record At Norman North</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2023 RESULTS (9-3 Record - Lost In Class 6A-1 Quarterfinals)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 31st - Beat Norman 21-0<br>Sept. 8th - Beat Edmond Santa Fe 31-28<br>Sept. 15th - Beat Yukon 57-28<br>Sept. 22nd - Lost To Bixby 60-2<br>Sept. 29th - Beat Broken Arrow 28-14<br>Oct. 5th - Lost To Jenks 42-14<br>Oct. 12th - Beat Southmoore 43-14<br>Oct. 19th - Beat Moore 29-26<br>Oct. 27th - Beat Westmoore 30-14<br>Nov. 3rd - Beat Enid 62-6<br>1st Round - Beat Edmond North 30-17<br>Quarterfinals - Lost To Owasso 50-21</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>2023 Offensive Scoring Average: 30.7 Points Per Game<br>2023 Defensive Scoring Average: 24.9 Points Per Game</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Norman North Timberwolves come into the 2024 season looking to take the next step after being a consistent quarterfinal team over the last four seasons. The 2023 season was no different as the Timberwolves would go 9-3 and they lost in the quarterfinals for the fourth consecutive season. They would have some exciting games along the way to that 9-3 record. They began the year 3-0, with a week two win over Edmond Santa Fe where they scored 17 unanswered points to win 31-28. They lost to Bixby and Jenks but they would then rattle off four straight wins to close out the regular season with an 8-2 record. But the two losses would push Norman North to the third seed out of the district. They would beat Edmond North in the first round before facing off with Owasso in the quarterfinals for the second straight season. The Rams would get the best of Norman North in the quarterfinal round with a 50-21 victory. Norman North's season came to an end with a 9-3 record but this is a team that has a lot to look forward to when it comes to the 2024 season. Their offense averaged just over 30 points per game and they brought back the majority of their starters this season. They had multiple All State 1st Team selections last season and they do bring one of them back.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Seven starters return on the offensive side of the ball and it's headlined by their starting quarterback and a wide receiver that has quickly become one of the more sought after prospects in the state's 2026 class. The strength of the offense will definitely be the skill positions with Norman North having a ton of production at quarterback, running back and wide receiver. The offensive line will need some new faces to step up and they'll have to find a way to replace an All State 1st Team selection along the offensive line but they have some young players they are excited about. On defense, the Timberwolves bring back just four starters on that side of the ball but one of those starters is an All State 1st Team selection along the defensive line. We really like what Norman North has in the front seven. The defensive line and linebackers have some really talented players, along with the majority of the experience returning on defense. And despite having just four starters back on defense, that won't be the biggest challenge this season. The biggest challenge is without a doubt the schedule that the Timberwolves will be playing. The new district is tough and they'll be playing away from home quite a bit in the first half of the season. They'll need to get out to a fast start because the second half of the schedule is headlined by arguably their three toughest games. But the Timberwolves will once again be a team to watch.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>KEY LOSSES TO GRADUATION</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Camden Pratcher - Defensive Back<br>Harrison Utley - Offensive Lineman<br>Kasen Lea - Offensive Lineman<br>Zain Prater - Wide Receiver</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>PLAYERS TO WATCH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["268325"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-668f42aa89e13"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Norman North senior [player_tooltip player_id='268325' first='Garrison' last='Utley'] is that 2023 All State 1st Team selection that returns this fall. Utley was absolutely lights out for the Timberwolves along the defensive line. He was a lot of fun to watch, unless you were an opposing offense. Utley was one of the leaders in 6A-1 in sacks with 15 sacks on the year. When we watched him in person, Utley was an absolute game-wrecker right in the middle of the defensive line. This season, we think that Utley has the ability to be even better and as we mentioned earlier, we think the strength of this Norman North defense will be in the front seven. Having a player like Utley back is a big reason why.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["284117"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-668f42aa89e9b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Anytime junior [player_tooltip player_id='284117' first='Mason' last='James'] touches the ball, good things tend to happen. We first learned that when he was a freshman and he's only continued to grow his game as an overall playmaker. Last season, James went from being a player with a world of potential to one of the top playmakers in 6A-1. He would finish his sophomore season with over 1,000 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns. He also finished the year with a handful of rushing touchdowns. Again, when James has the ball in his hands, good things usually follow. This offseason, James has seen his recruitment absolutely explode. He's become one of the top overall prospects in Oklahoma and this part of the country.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["595685"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-668f42aa89efb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">In his first season as QB1 of the Timberwolves, [player_tooltip player_id='595685' first='Owen' last='Eshelman'] exceeded all preseason expectations. He would throw for nearly 2,300 yards and 24 touchdowns while also running for over 500 yards and seven touchdowns. We knew that Eshelman was going to be one of the better athletes at the quarterback position in 6A-1 but he was an even better passer than we anticipated. Eshelman showed flashes of what he could do as a sophomore and then he put it all together last season. This summer, Eshelman announced his commitment to South Dakota State and has firmly established himself as one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the 2025 class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1329125"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-668f42aa89f55"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Joining Eshelman in the backfield will be senior running back [player_tooltip player_id='1329125' first='Will' last='Lundquist'] and we're excited to see how his production looks after another season in the Norman North offense. Last season, Lundquist was close to carrying the ball 150 times on the season. It will be interesting to see how many carries he has this season in a Norman North offense that has a lot of firepower in the skills department. Lundquist also finished with nearly 800 yards and will look to be a 1,000 yard rusher this season. The 1-2 punch of Eshelman and Lundquist in the ground game last season was outstanding. They're going to look to elevate their games this season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>MORE NAMES TO KNOW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1530058' first='Ben' last='Kolar'] - 2027 Wide Receiver<br>Carter Hammer - 2025 Wide Receiver<br>[player_tooltip player_id='660422' first='Eric' last='McMullan'] - 2025 Offensive Lineman<br>Logan Richard - 2025 Linebacker<br>Max Beaty - 2026 Linebacker<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1294584' first='Ryan' last='Humphrey II'] - 2025 Wide Receiver/Defensive Back<br>Tate Johnson - 2025 Linebacker</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 SCHEDULE/GAMES TO CIRCLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sept. 6th - AT Norman<br>Sept. 13th - AT Deer Creek<br>Sept. 20th - AT Moore<br>Sept. 26th - Edmond Memorial<br>Oct. 5th - AT Westmoore<br><strong>Oct. 11th - Union<br></strong>- Like we mentioned earlier, this district is just loaded with good players, teams and coaches and you could highlight any of these match-ups and we could point to a storyline to watch. This week six game at home against Union will be a big one because the Redhawks have dominated district play for a long time now. A Norman North win over Union here would put Norman North in the driver's seat and all eyes would be on them. They haven't met since being district foes in 2021.&nbsp;<br>Oct. 17th - AT Broken Arrow<br>Oct. 25th - AT Yukon<br><strong>Nov. 1st - Owasso<br></strong>- Owasso was a district opponent from 2014-2021 and they are once again after two years of not meeting in the regular season. Despite that, they still met in each of the last two years in the quarterfinals. And each time, Owasso has knocked off the Timberwolves, ending their season. So needless to say, Norman North will be hungry for this one and while the season might not come to an end with a loss, there will be major playoff implications with a win or a loss here in week nine.&nbsp;<br><strong>Nov. 8th - Edmond Santa Fe<br></strong>- In the final game of the season, Norman North will host Edmond Santa Fe and there's no doubt that playoff seeding will be impacted by the result of this game. Last year, this was a non-district clash and this season, it will feel like the playoffs started a week early. Norman North would stun Santa Fe last season with a 31-28 victory, scoring 17 unanswered points in the second half. Santa Fe's offense is headlined by one of the best running backs in the state.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Justin Jones is going into his seventh season as the man in charge of the Norman North football program. The first two seasons were bumpy but he's had them winning at a consistent level ever since. In his first two seasons, Jones went 5-15 and the Timberwolves missed out on the playoffs in both years. But in the last four seasons, Jones and the Timberwolves have a 30-14 record and have made the quarterfinals in each of the four years. But after four straight seasons of getting bounced out in the quarterfinals, the Timberwolves are ready to take that next step. They have the experience and the talent to become a 10-win team and make a run in the playoffs. The district schedule is absolutely brutal and that's just the world of 6A-1 football right now. There are some really good teams, along with some truly elite teams. There are some good teams in 6A-1 that will finish the year with a losing record. So Jones building Norman North into a consistent winner year after year is a testament to him.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>LAST FIVE SEASONS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2023 - 9-3 - Lost In Class 6A-1 Quarterfinals<br>2022 - 8-3 - Lost In Class 6A-1 Quarterfinals<br>2021 - 7-4 - Lost In Class 6A-1 Quarterfinals<br>2020 - 6-4 - Lost In Class 6A-1 Quarterfinals<br>2019 - 3-7 - Missed Playoffs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>0 State Championships</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->