Offense:
Offensively the best way to describe this outing from Oak Park is lots of ups and lots of downs. '22
KeAndre Braxton, who is the senior, starting running back was injured and not able to play, so freshman '25
Travon Pankey filled in and did so nicely. Pankey had 18 carries for 124 yards on the ground and a rushing touchdown, his longest of the evening was a 64-yard burst which would be the first score of the game. '22 QB
Ty Clemens was able to find 3 different receivers for receiving touchdowns: '22
Aiden Hinkle, '23
Xavier Williams, and '22
Bubba Bogart. The receiving core was collectively able to put together a nice game converting a couple clutch 4
th down conversions and touchdowns. This offense is very efficient when every part of it is in full swing, it just had a few troubles in the second half putting drives together.
The Northmen offense was put into 11 3
rd down situations and only converted on two and still was able to put up four touchdowns. The offense looked in full swing in the first half then went on to have its struggles in the second as the first touchdown came with a couple minutes left in the fourth quarter. The offense had over 100 less total yards and had every right to win the game had they put up one more score or defensive stop, which shows you how good this team truly is or can be. This shouldn't be the top of the mountain for the Northmen this season, expect them to take this as a learning opportunity and keep getting better through the regular season. This will not be a first round district team most will want to pair up with come week 10.
Defense:
The Northmen defense did not have a bad outing on Friday night. They were able to force turnovers and get stops throughout the game to keep it close and give the offense opportunities. '22
Jett Sutton had an outstanding game with ten tackles and a tackle for loss, the University of North Dakota commit lead the Northmen in tackles. '22
Paul Hernandez and '22
Adriano Garcia were able to come away with interceptions in the rivalry game. Garica also came away with a fumble recovery forced by '22 Juliano Sokoli.
The Northmen defense did struggle a bit with the Staley offense allowing 8 of 13 on third down conversions and 2 of 4 on fourth down conversions. They also gave up 23 first downs on 68 plays. The Northmen defense was good enough to make the game a very close one forcing two late turnovers deep into the fourth quarter, but the last stop was the one that they needed, and they couldn't quite come up with it. This was all around one of the best high school football games that you'll see and there is no reason for Oak Park to be disappointed in themselves after a great game with one of their biggest rivals.
What's Next?
The Northmen played an great game and look forward to their matchup with North Kansas City next week. The game will be 7pm on Friday October 15
th.
This is yet another conference matchup for Oak Park and they look to try to grab their 3rd win on the season.
Come out and support this Friday !
GO NORTHMEN!
