Norman High School (2-0) junior quarterback Cash Koertner and senior wide receiver Crew Noles put up an impressive performance in a 44-21 win over Edmond Santa Fe High School (0-3).
Koertner showed off his arm talent and improvisation skills, as he adapted into his role as the starter following the departure of quarterback Phoenix Murphy, who led Oklahoma 6A in passing yards during the 2024 season. Koertner finished the game 10 for 20 with 152 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. The highlight of the day was his evasion in the pocket before launching a 63-yard touchdown to Noles.
“We’ve been working day and night since May; we’ve been on the field every day. … We’d come out here (at) 8 (p.m.) at night and work till 10,” Noles said.
Noles has been a force through two games on both sides of the ball, tallying 200 receiving yards, five touchdowns, six tackles, a pass breakup and a pick six. Despite the statistics, Noles remains a no-star recruit and keeps his head down to work for the recognition highly touted recruits receive.
“My football story has been tough,” Noles said “I’ve always felt like one of the top guys in the state but haven’t gotten much respect for that. This year is very personal for me and my last shot to show everyone what I got.”
Though Noles may not be getting the respect he feels he deserves, his work has not gone unnoticed by Norman head coach Rocky Martin.
“Crew Noles is as dangerous as anybody in the state,” Martin said. “I think whenever he touches the ball, he can score.”
Between Koertner and Noles, the Tigers believe they can go the distance.
“I (want to) go win state,” Koertner said. “I mean, obviously, that’s the goal for everybody, but I think this team has got the talent to do it.”
Norman’s state-title aspirations continue at 7 p.m. Friday against Piedmont High School at Harve Collins Stadium.
This story was edited by Joshua McDaniel.
