Oak Park Defense
 
Coming into this game Central knew that Oak Parks defense had been solid on the rush game. The Northmen had only to have given up 163 yards rushing the week before to a Park Hill South team that averages nearly 200 yards per game and also had held them to their lowest scoring game all season. Oak Park's defense on Friday night was quick to shut down the Indians running game allowing -5 yards throughout the span of the night and put constant pressure on the QB. As the second half rolled around the Indians began to pass the ball more in hopes of a comeback win. This put a lot more pressure on the Defensive backs '22 Jett Sutton, '21 Kavon Jackson, '21 Ardrace Hughes, '21 Logan Willmann and '21 Logan Linard. As the defense noticed a more predominant passing scheme, the Northmen began to increase their defensive pressure on different blitz calls in hopes of a defensive turnover, and '22 OLB Paul Hernandez did just that with his pick 6 that sealed the win on the night. The defense showed improvement with better tackling and block sheds, which will need to be expanded on this upcoming week in a tough rivalry game against Staley high school.
 
Oak Park Offense
 
Moving the ball down the field was something the Northmen offense had done better than any week before this previous Friday. This all started up front with the whole offensive line who gave '22 QB Ty Clemens plenty of time to make proper reads and complete more passes. One of those being a 51 yard touchdown pass to '21 Logan Willmann on the Northmen's longest TD throw of the season.  The success of the offense was even more apparent in the Oak Park ground game lead by '23 marlon Gant Jr gaining 166 yards and two touchdowns.  '22 KeAndre Braxton nabbed another 126 yards and his own touchdown.  Overall, the offense was clicking which will be important as the head into week 7 against a good Staley defense.
 
The Elephant in the Room
 
The 2-4 Oak Park Northmen are up against a 2-4 Staley Falcons this week, in a conference match-up of NKCSD foes. If they can keep the big passing and rushing plays from happening on the defensive side, and get QB Ty Clemens the time he needs to get the offense down the field, then there is a good chance find a WIN vs Staley on Friday night.  It's no secret that no NKSCD school has found a way to muster up a win versus Staley since it opened in 2008, the Northmen came close in 2019, leading the Falcons all the way up to the 4th quarter.  If the stars align, we might witness an Oak Park first for this promising Northmen football team as they start to gear up for the District Playoffs.