Whaley won't make big changes, just wants improvement

By Zach West
zwest@oklahoman.com

Although Westmoore’s 38-13 loss to Norman North Friday night was the school’s biggest defeat since 2002 and first loss to the Timberwolves in 10 games, don’t count on head coach Mike Whaley to shake anything up on his team. 

“We’re not going to make any wholesale changes,” Whaley said during Tuesday’s practice. “We’re getting there. The improvement’s been steady. We just need to make sure we improve from here to game four.”

After all, the Jaguars are still 2-1. And to Whaley and most coaches in the state, the first three games are nothing more than glorified scrimmages.

“Would you have liked to have won the first three? Always. But it really doesn’t matter, it’s a whole new season. Everybody starts 0-0 again.” Whaley said.

That being said, any leniency Whaley might have given his players after the first three games is sure to disappear come Friday against Choctaw, where the Jaguars will start their difficult 6A-2 slate. 

“This is the week to show that you’ve improved,” Whaley said.

Whaley cited quarterback Tracey Norwood and recently returned defensive end Joey Fowler as two players who have plenty of room for improvement.