NEO Golden Norsemen (1-0) vs. Independence Community College Pirates (0-1)
Date: September 7, 2024
Kickoff: 7:00 PM
Location: Miami, OK – Red Robertson Field

Game Preview:

After a thrilling overtime victory over No. 15 Butler, the NEO Golden Norsemen (1-0) are back in action, facing Independence Community College (0-1) at home under the lights of Red Robertson Field. NEO's season opener showcased resilience and heart, as they outlasted Butler 26-23 with a game-winning field goal in overtime. Now, the focus shifts to keeping that momentum against a tough Independence squad.

Independence comes into the game looking to bounce back from a close 37-30 loss to Trinity Valley. The Pirates put up 348 yards of total offense, highlighted by Breyahn Townsend's impressive 160-yard rushing performance. Quarterback Isaiah Nathaniel will aim to improve on his 154-yard passing effort and lead his team against an NEO defense that allowed just 78 passing yards in their opener.

The Golden Norsemen's balanced attack will once again rely on quarterback Eisenhower Owens, who threw for 102 yards in the opener, and running back Ethan Lawrence, who had a dominant 154-yard rushing game. NEO's ability to control the clock was key against Butler, holding possession for over 37 minutes. That ball-control strategy, combined with their physical defense, will be vital in slowing down Independence's big-play threats.

Key Matchups:

• NEO Defense vs. Breyahn Townsend: Townsend's 160-yard game last week was a statement, and NEO's defense will need to focus on stopping him early.

• Ethan Lawrence vs. Independence Front 7: Lawrence's bruising style wore down Butler's defense. Look for him to take the lead again in controlling the ground game.

• Special Teams: NEO's special teams unit could be pivotal. Independence allowed significant return yardage in their last game, giving NEO opportunities for strong field positioning.

What to Watch For:

• Ball Control: NEO's ground-and-pound approach will be critical to controlling the tempo and keeping Independence's offense off the field.

• Third-Down Efficiency: Both teams struggled on third down in their openers. Whichever team can convert better will likely have the edge in this matchup.

Coach Crissup:

"Our plan is simple: we're going to show Effort, Attitude, and Toughness on every play. We've preached all week about staying locked in, embracing the grind, and being relentless from start to finish. The goal is to outwork our opponent with every snap. When you have the right mindset, show up with the right attitude, and bring toughness to push through adversity, the results will follow."

Final Thoughts:

NEO will look to ride the wave of their thrilling season opener, and the pride of defending Red Robertson Field and the banks of Tar Creek. The Pirates will be hungry for a win after their narrow loss to Trinity Valley. This is gearing up to be a big time football game!


Norsemen to D-1 Player Spotlights

Player Spotlight: Iman Oates
Iman Oates made a notable debut for Oklahoma State in their 44-20 win over South Dakota State. Starting as a defensive lineman, Oates showcased his potential by playing 42 out of 67 snaps, demonstrating his readiness for the college game after redshirting last season. His performance was a key part of the defensive line rotation, and his presence on the field was significant for the Cowboys. In a related note,  Norsemen Kobe Hylton is also now at Oklahoma State and looks to be making an impact as well.


Player Spotlight: Kendel Dolby
Kendel Dolby had an impressive performance in Oklahoma's 51-3 victory over Temple. He was a standout on the defense, contributing significantly with a tipped pass that led to an interception, and a crucial sack in the second quarter. Dolby's growth from last season was evident as he excelled in his new cheetah position, showing improved maturity and attention to detail. In the same game, Norsemen Devonta Owens played for Temple and recorded two tackles.