Game preview: PC North at Norman North

Putnam City North (2-3, 1-1) at Norman North (1-4, 0-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Harve Collins Field, Norman

Last week: PC North fell in overtime to No. 5 Midwest City. Norman North held a second-half lead at Yukon before falling 35-17.

Why the Panthers could win: The Panther defense has been sharp all year, and the offense keeps finding the flow better each week. QB Jace James threw four picks in the first two games, but only one since then. Sam Wolfe has been producing big plays all season, and the return of Dre Holman frees him up to be a rushing-receiving threat even more than he has been.

Why the Timberwolves could win: Defensively, Norman North has shown some flashes of being good at times, but outside of the win over Westmoore, they can’t put a full game together. If they can play well and create some turnovers, PC North has shown it can be susceptible to beating themselves with mistakes.

Key matchup: Norman North QB Brad Valentino vs. PC North defense. The T-Wolves have two good running backs in Emilio Gatewood and Raymond Demby, but the passing game has averaged just 64 yards per game. Against the Panthers, Valentino will need to open up the running lanes by throwing the ball a little bit.

The pick: PC North 27, Norman North 13. I can’t understand why the T-Wolves have struggled the way they have this season, but PC North is just too hot right now.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com