The Mustang Broncos travel to Norman tonight to take on the Norman Tigers for the team’s fifth 6A-I District 2 matchup of the season.
The Broncos (5-2, 3-1) look to bounce back from a 53-21 loss to the Union Redhawks last week while Norman (2-5, 2-2) enters the game coming off a 20-17 win over Edmond Santa Fe.
Each team is focused on a run to the Class 6A-I playoffs. The Broncos can position themselves for a run at second place in District 2 and a home playoff game with a win. Mustang currently sits in third and are 16 district points behind Edmond Memorial.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. from Harve Collins Stadium. Check out tonight’s game preview below:
- WHO: Mustang Broncos (5-2, 3-1) v. Norman Tigers (2-5, 2-2)
- WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, at 7 p.m. CT
- WHERE: Harve Collins Stadium at 131 S. Flood Ave. in Norman
- WHERE TO WATCH: www.MHSBroncoSports.tv
- WHERE TO LISTEN: 99.7 HANK FM
- WHERE TO FOLLOW: Facebook.com/MustangSportsReview & on Twitter @MustangReview
MUSTANG OFFENSE – WHO TO WATCH
Mustang’s offense is averaging just over 466 yards per game, including 206 on the ground and 260 through the air.
The team’s rushing attack has been dominant all season. Last week, the Broncos topped the 200-yard mark for the third time with 223 yards against Union. They previously rushed for over 200 yards against Springdale Har-Ber (296) and Yukon (312).
Watch for the team’s three-headed monster in the backfield, including senior backs Jay Bedford, Pryce Burgess, and Antone Prince.
The trio has combined for 978 yards and eight touchdowns. Quarterback Tristen Russell (Sr.) tends to mix it up on the ground as well, rushing for 258 yards so far this season.
Also, watch for Mustang’s leading receivers, Jacobe Johnson (Sr.), Keegan Bass (Sr.), and L.B. Hayes (Sr.). The trio has combined for 86-percent of the team’s 1,825 receiving yards.
NORMAN DEFENSE – WHO TO WATCH
Norman’s defense is allowing 34 points per game this season and is especially susceptible to the run.
The Tigers have allowed big rushing efforts to Edmond Santa Fe (179), Edmond Memorial (193), Stillwater (142), and Moore (191) so far this season, giving the Broncos a big opportunity to control things on the ground.
Running back Pryce Burgess (Sr.) and the Mustang Broncos travel to Norman tonight to take on the Norman Tigers at Harve Collins Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. (Photo by Shelly Holinsworth / Freelance Action Photography)
Safety Dax Noles (Jr.) is the team’s leading tackler with 97 total. He averages 13.9 tackles per game. Jackson Ford (Jr.) also plays safety and has recorded 33 tackles.
Linebackers Lance Eubanks (Jr.) and Brody Boyd (So.) will likely be in on the action for the Tigers. They have combined for 115 tackles.
MUSTANG DEFENSE – WHO TO WATCH
The Broncos face off against a Norman offense that focuses primarily on the ground game, especially with versatile quarterback Tias McLarty (Sr.).
Mustang’s defensive line, linebackers, and defensive backs will have to be on high alert to help contain McLarty and the Tigers.
This includes linebackers Hudson Conrad (Sr.) and Jaxon Bobbitt (Sr.) who have combined for 106 tackles this season, including a team-high 61 from Conrad.
Safeties Trevor Price (Sr.) and Zach Warren (Jr.) have the opportunity for a big game, as well as defensive ends Elijah Garcia (Sr.) and Russell Zollicofer (Jr.).
NORMAN OFFENSE – WHO TO WATCH
Norman’s offense revolves around McClarty at quarterback.
The senior signal caller has rushed for 978 yards and seven touchdown and has added 399 yards and seven scores through the air. He rushed for 103 yards and a touchdown last week in the team’s 20-17 win over Santa Fe.
Also watch for Xavier Shackelford (Sr.) and Devin Alexander (Jr.) out of the backfield. The duo has combined for 439 yards. Noles has added 192 yards and five touchdowns as well.
The Tigers average 242 yards per game on the ground and just 70 through the air.
PREDICTION: MUSTANG 34, NORMAN 14
The Broncos bounce back from last week’s loss to Union with a dominant performance on both sides of the ball.
McLarty may pop off a run or two and possibly put up a pair of scores, but Mustang’s defense finds a way to control the Norman playmaker.
Look for the Bronco offense to click on all cylinders, especially on the ground. Expect the team’s fourth 200-yard rushing night.
