The Bixby (OK) varsity football team will play a neutral-site playoff game against Norman North (Norman, OK) on Friday, November 22, at 7:00 PM. This game is part of the 2024 Oklahoma High School Football Playoff Brackets: OSSAA – Class 6A-I tournament.

Bixby vs Norman North Football Game Info:

What: Oklahoma High School Football
Who: Bixby vs Norman North
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 Oklahoma High School Football Playoff Brackets: OSSAA – Class 6A-I
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Game preview: Bixby vs Norman North

As the season progresses, the upcoming matchup between Norman North and Bixby promises to showcase a striking contrast in performance. Both teams have experienced varying levels of success, with Norman North entering with a 4-7 record overall and Bixby boasting an impressive 8-2 mark. Here’s a breakdown of their season so far and what we can expect when these two teams square off.

Norman North: A Season of Struggles

Norman North, with a 4-7 overall record, has had a tough time finding consistency. Their district record of 3-4 illustrates the challenges they’ve faced within their league, and their win percentage of just .364 overall (and .429 in district play) shows they’ve struggled in key matchups. With a points-for (PF) tally of 350 compared to 369 points allowed (PA), it’s clear the defense has had its share of difficulties.

However, the team’s offense, led by key players like Cooper Parker and Carson Kirby, has kept them competitive at times. Norman North averages 31.8 points per game, with strong production in the later quarters, notably posting 10.6 points in the fourth quarter alone. Rushing and passing have both been key to their offense. Parker has led the rushing attack with 52.4 yards per game, while Kirby has shown his prowess with 226.9 passing yards per game, contributing to an overall 273.9 yards per game.

On defense, Parker again stands out, leading the team with 8.8 tackles per game, though the team has struggled with just 2.2 sacks per game on average.

Bixby: Dominance and Consistency

In stark contrast to Norman North, Bixby has been a powerhouse this season. With an 8-2 record and a dominant 6-1 mark in district play, they have firmly established themselves as one of the top teams in the state. Averaging 46.3 points per game, Bixby has proven to be an offensive juggernaut, with well-balanced attack capabilities that include both an explosive passing and rushing game. The team averages 471.6 total yards per game, with Cooper Parker leading the way on the ground with an impressive 234.6 yards per game.

While their passing game is also potent, with Carson Kirby contributing 237.0 passing yards per game, it’s their ability to wear teams down with a consistent rushing attack and defense that stands out. Defensively, Bixby has been dominant, allowing just 205 points all season, a significant contrast to Norman North’s 369.

Key Players to Watch

• Norman North: Keep an eye on Cooper Parker, whose all-around contributions on both offense and defense have kept his team competitive. His ability to rack up rushing yards and tackles will be critical for the team’s success.
• Bixby: Cooper Parker (not to be confused with Norman North’s player) leads the charge on both sides of the ball. His powerful rushing attack and ability to control the tempo of the game have made him one of the most dangerous players in the state.

Common Opponents: A Mixed Bag

Both teams have faced some of the same opponents, but with vastly different outcomes. Norman North has struggled, finishing 1-4 against common opponents. They have faced tough losses against Deer Creek, Owasso, and Moore, all of which have proved challenging for the team. On the other hand, Bixby has done much better, with a 2-2 record against the same opponents, including decisive wins over Deer Creek (48-10) and Moore (49-7). The difference in these records speaks to the disparity in overall team strength.

Final Thoughts

This matchup between Norman North and Bixby is likely to see a clear distinction in the overall performance levels of the teams. Bixby, with their explosive offense and lockdown defense, is the clear favorite. However, Norman North will look to capitalize on any weaknesses in Bixby’s game and keep it competitive, especially in the latter parts of the game where they have shown flashes of effectiveness.

As the two teams prepare to face off, fans can expect a dominant performance from Bixby, but with Norman North’s scrappy style and key individual performances, anything can happen. This will be a true test of contrasting team dynamics and could provide valuable lessons as both teams prepare for the remainder of the season.