It's too late for Moore, but Norman North still has some time to pick up some tips on stopping Putnam City North running back Josh Booker.
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Booker and the Panthers (6-1 overall, 4-0 District 6A-1) will face Norman North on Thursday in a game that likely will decide the 6A-1 champion. Thanks to his career-high 211-yard rushing performance and four touchdowns Friday, Booker led PC North past Moore, which was 3-0 in district play, setting up the showdown with Norman North.
"The way our line and our fullback were blocking, it just set me up to have a great game,” Booker said of his performance against the Lions, which included a fourth-quarter, game-icing 25-yard TD run to halt a 20-point Moore rally. "And this week, if we just execute and everybody handles their assignments, I expect a performance like (Friday) night or better. I don't think anyone can stop us if we execute.”
Booker, a junior, has run for 796 yards and scored 10 touchdowns (eight runs, two receptions) this season. But against Norman North (6-1, 4-0), he's facing what is likely the best defense the Panthers have seen this season. The Timberwolves, ranked third in Class 6A, are one of just three 6A teams to allow less than 100 yards per game on the ground (95.0).
But corralling Booker won't be easy. The 17-year old has honed his craft after years of scampering through the house, dodging coffee tables and sofas, with his mother (Darla) and sister (Kathryn) in hot pursuit.
"That happened all the time when I was a little kid,” laughed the 6-foot, 185-pounder. "And it still happens now. There's not much room to get away. That's where I get some of my moves.”
Booker's father, Kelly, was a running back for Northeast and Douglass in high school. His brother, Tracy, played the position at Putnam City in 2004.
"Dad thinks Tracy is the best,” said Josh. "But I'm thinking I'm going to prove him wrong.”
PC North quarterback Matt Veazey would vote for the little brother.
"Josh has just exploded this year,” said Veazey, who was 13-of-16 passing for 146 yards vs. Moore. "Our offensive line is unreal and Josh has shown what he can do behind them.”
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I agree, Booker may be a good running back, but the back on the other side, Blankenship reeks havoc on any defense he plays against...he will have his way and another 150+ yard game while guiding North to their first ever District Title
Putnam City North needs there defense to step up big against Norman North's running game. Moore scorched them for 300 yards plus in there loss to the Panthers, funny how the article fails to mention that.
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