Applying Pressure

Coming into this game Truman knew that Oak Park had given up at least 280 rushing yards in both of their first games. Oak Park's defense on Friday night was fed up with getting ran on and had started to blitz early in the game and often. This type of pressure forced an interception and the Northmen recorded several tackles for loss and 2 sacks on the night. The defense really showed improvement with better tackling, coverage, and block sheds, which really made for an exciting night of defensive football for the Northmen.  '21 CB Logan Linard was they guy the Patriots looked to attack in the passing game, but he had other ideas, shutting down all attempts to his side of the field.  It will be fun to see how this defense grows heading into week 4.

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Being Gutsy

Driving the ball down the field was something the Northmen did better and better as the game went on. It wasn't hard to miss some of the bodies flying around on the field, this was a physical game, and more often than not, #56 Alijah Manning ('21) may have been the reason.  The whole offensive line was creating a ton of movement and also kept the QB clean when needed.  Que some risky calls and good decision making from Coach Clemens, carried out by '22 QB Ty Clemens. The offense stayed on the field on 10 4th down and converted or scored on 8 of those 10 attempts. Ty Clemens was also able to connect downfield this week in the passing game for 2 long touchdowns.  This Northmen offense looked very well rounded tonight going about 60/40 Run/Pass.
 

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The Future of Oak Park

The combo of '22 KeAndre Braxton, '22 Ty Clemens, and '22 Lucas Oitker kept the defense guessing on Friday night. Oitker set-up some nice blocks for RB KeAndre Braxton, and also showed us he can catch and run, with his first reception TD of 2020. Braxton continues to impress with a hard, smash-mouth running style. Marlon Gant looked special on both of his TD runs, making the whole defense miss on both a 4yd and 18yd outside run. Clemens also improved throwing the ball with only 1 interception and 3 TD's in 3 games completing 41% of his throws, some impressive stats for the first year signal caller. We don't want to start looking ahead to far, but keep in mind, everyone who scored on Friday night will be back again next year.
 

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This Week

The Northmen are up against Belton next week, who are as of right now undefeated at 2-0. If they can keep the big penalties from hurting themselves, and get Ty Clemens time to make the offense run they have a good chance to compete and possibly beat Belton next week on the 18^th.