For the last few seasons, it appears as though William-Chrisman has had Oak Park's number. The Bears have bested the Northmen the past 4 years, but this may be the year for Oak Park to turn it all around. 

This game is equally as important to William Chrisman this week, as they have started the year 0-2, however, those losses include Blue Springs (13-37) and North Kansas City (16-35).  The Bears will be looking for a win this week, so expect to see their best effort.

What does winning this week mean for the Northmen?

Back-to-back wins would be something that has eluded this team in the last few years. That would pump a ton of confidence into this Oak Park team.  It also puts the Northmen into the discussion for a conference championship, a very rare feat for Oak Park Football earning only three conference championships in the entire history of the program. Be careful not to look ahead here, and remember what coach Ken Clemens said,

"Every Win is Important." 

You better believe that the Lumberyard will be out in full force tonight to support their Northmen. The support we are seeing across the board for our Oak Park Athletics has been inspirational.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR 

Both teams will have similar game plans going into this one, and if the game film shows true, it might be the quickest game in the city on Friday night.  The Bears and Northmen both want to establish the running game early on Offense and force the other team into mistakes on Defense.

Chrisman ran the ball 51 times last week while also racking up 198 yards on the ground. The Bears don't seem to have that one "go-to guy" and stats point to a committee running game with Jr. QB Siaosi Nauer, and So. Kameron Thompson putting up 165 yards combined last week. 

Oak Park relies on the same method with running backs Phil Corbin and Najib Alhakeem. You never know who's getting the carries.  Throw in a very elusive Blake Bland, and the Northmen will force you to play them honestly. Najib was one of the top RB's in the city last week with 137 yards, while Phil tacked on 83 yards. 

There should be a lot of pressure from both Defenses this week, the plan? Force the other team into mistakes.  Chrisman had 3 TFL last week from Sr. Ja'V'air Lankford, Jr. Alex Atagi, and Sr. Lyndon Shell Jr. Oak Park also racked up several TFL in their home win vs Raytown.  Two coming from Sr. Cody Warren and another from So. Jett Sutton. The Northmen secondary will need to stay awake this week and be ready to stop the "big" play. Turnovers will most likely determine the winner tonight.

KEY PLAYERS

On William-Chrisman's side they have returned QB Siaosi Nauer (converting from RB/WR last year). He is a threat to run the ball, earning 83 rushing yards and 95 passing yards on 6 completions, and will use his rugby experience to make plays. At RB, they have a So. Kameron Thompson who is a young player to look out for racking up 82 yards last week with a touchdown. WR Marcus Wigfall is the Bears best option, getting 84 receiving yards on 4 receptions. 

Defensively the Bears, Alex Atagi and Lydon Shell Jr. were their best players last week, each getting a TFL, and are consistent tacklers on film, which can be frustrating for many offenses.

On Offense for Oak Park, Phil Corbin and Najib Alhakeem are always players to look out for, both have had several opportunities for big gains behind that mammoth offensive line, but its time for some break-away TD's from this duo.  They will need to be in this game from start to finish. Logan Willman is the change of pace guy for the Northmen on offense, he had one carry and one reception last week, but both touches had huge impacts on the game. I've said it before, and I'm going to say it again, I am very impressed with the size and athleticism of the Northmen Offensive Line, Jackson White, Micheal Larson, Desmond Lamb, Garret Waddell, and Ryan Woodson have played well so far and will, without a doubt, be the boom or bust for the Oak Park Offense.  I think we have yet to see them at their best and will enjoy watching them continue to improve each week, but this would be a great opportunity to have their breakout game.

Defensively Colten Tisthammer is an impact player, and he has the ability to change a game, but when the other ten guys on defense step up like they did last week, it allows the Northmen to dominate some of the best offenses in the city.  Phil Corbin is as big of a threat on defense as he is on offense, and with Tisthammer side by side, they could cause big problems for the Chrisman running game. The defensive line is getting better each week and provides the pressure Oak Park needs to make the other team make mistakes.  When they are working hard, it just makes everyone behind them better.

THE TAKEAWAY

This is a big opportunity for Oak Park if they can get the win tonight, it could pump this team and our school full of confidence moving forward on an early season.  Oak Park has now seen two of the toughest teams they will face all year, but Chrisman is in a fight to make or break the rest of their season. With it being Friday the 13th and a full moon, I expect this to be a great game with an even better outcome for the Northmen.  Kickoff is at 7 at the DAC, so be sure you make it out for an exciting night of Football.