High School

Norman North pitches 21-0 shutout against rival Norman in 'Crosstown Clash'

Timberwolves utilize strong defense, running of Owen Eshelman to defeat Tigers

Michael Kinney

NORMAN, OKLAHOMA - It had been four years since the "Crosstown Clash" had been held on the grounds of the University of Oklahoma. 

But both Norman High and Norman North were anxious to get back under the lights at Memorial Stadium for their annual battle.

Led by a stingy defense and the legs of Owen Eshelman, the Timberwolves pulled out a 21-0 victory Thursday night.

For the second straight week, the starting times for games were pushed back to avoid the heat of the early evening. That seemed to be a factor as more than 9,000 fans fans piled into the 90,000 seat stadium.

Norman North got on the board first midway through the second quarter after Ethan Curtis picked off Phoenix Murray for the second time in the half and returned it to the Timberwolves' 18-yard line.

Two plays later, Eshelman made an inside pitch to Will Lundquist, who scurried into the end zone. North led, 7-0, with 6:01 left in the half.

The two teams combined for four turnovers in the first half. That includes the Tigers' Dax Noles hauling in a pair of interceptions.

However, NHS was unable to take advantage of the turnovers and trailed 7-0 at halftime.

The defensive battle continued into the second half as each team was unable to stop turning the ball over. 

Early in the fourth, Eshelman had a touchdown run taken off the board due to a penalty. After being back up, they turned the ball over on downs.

However, Eshelman got the points back when he once again scored on a short run around the left end. This time, the TD stood and North led, 14-0, with five minutes on the clock.

The Timberwolves added another touchdown to put the contest away at the 2:15 mark.

North (1-0) will face Edmond Santa Fe (1-0) on Sept. 8, while Norman (0-1) will be at home against Moore. 

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Michael Kinney
MICHAEL KINNEY

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