In the Oldham County Kickoff Classic

Little surprising. I'm sure North Oldham lost quite a bit off what was a really good team last season, but I still didn't expect Moore to compete with them this close.

Of course, a win is a win is a win...and wins in the first week are often an adventure, as teams work the kinks out of their offenses and defenses against someone wearing a different uniform.

 

On the positive side, North fullback Zach Price was especially impressive, rushing for over 100 yards...and North "found a way to win" - always a positive, as things don't always go your way in games. And I though first-year starting QB Austin Peterson looked very good at times, both with his arm and with his legs.

 

But I'm sure the North coaches weren't exactly thrilled with the game, especially after beating essentially the same Moore team, 56-13, in the first round of the 2008 3A playoffs. Yes, North had to replace some folks from that squad, but no so many as some think, and the line was full of veterans to run behind.

 

And yes, Moore was DRAMATICALLY BETTER than the Moore team I saw last year - kudos to the Moore coaching staff, which had re-tooled the offense with the "spread spin" offense, and had to do it with a new QB, after the QB they expected to have unexpectedly transferred.

 

Moore showed absolutely no ability to throw the ball - I don't think they completed a pass, and several times were unable to even get it off against the NOHS rush - but their speedy backs were elusive and gave North fits.

 

It will probably be a difficult year again for Moore - their one-dimensional offense will likely limit their success - but another "o-fer" year probably isn't in the offing. On the other hand, North has the potential to be pretty darn good this year - but this game exposed some areas of their game that need attention.

 

All in all, a great first game for both teams - Moore had to come out of the game feeling energized, despite the fact their losing streak stretched to 15, and North had some flaws exposed before what should be a very challenging district schedule starts.