Published: May 06, 2008 12:49 am            

T-Wolves believe they’ll win, yet know they’re better

The question was put to Norman North forward Corey Albertson, scorer of 27 goals this season, the set-up man on 16 more, why is this team different?

Oddly, he struggled to reply. It was suggested that maybe he’s the difference. The Timberwolves’ bugaboo the last four seasons has been their inability to put the ball in the net. However, last season, they scored about 50 goals; this season, they’ve scored 73. Forever, finishing has been an issue. But not with Albertson.

Still, he wouldn’t bite.

“I’m never going to say that,” he said.

Yet in so doing, he might well have given another reason why this team is different as it prepares to play in its fourth straight Class 6A semifinal and its second straight against Tulsa Union at 8 tonight on the North pitch.

Of course, Albertson’s a big reason why this North team is different. But his unwillingness to go there speaks to a selflessness and chemistry that’s taken hold of the T-Wolves as they try advancing to, and winning, their first state title game since 2003.

“I think it’s the best (chemistry) we’ve ever had,” second-year North coach Don Rother said. “They all hang out together. The seniors take the freshmen everywhere.”

Finally, Albertson offered another reason.

“This year, it’s just, we’re sick and tired of losing in the semifinals,” he said. “We just want to go win.”

Why wouldn’t they be?

In 2004, in what some have called the worst loss in program history, Ponca City upset the T-Wolves 1-0, even on North’s home field. The next season it was Broken Arrow 3-2 in Broken Arrow. Then it was Jenks, 3-2, at Jenks. Then it was Union, 3-2 in a shootout, at Jenks.

But there’s the sense it’s all coming together in 2008.

“We have a combination of defense and offense,” said goalkeeper Royal Mulinix. “Our lowest number of goals this season is two and you should always be able to win any game if you score two goals.”

Spoken like a true keeper.

What the T-Wolves appear to have this season is the confidence they simply won’t lose. Perhaps they can be beat, but they will not lose.

In the past, they’ve known their capabilities, yet remained concerned that, after 80 minutes, they’d have the goals to show for it. That left them hoping. Now, they seem to know.

It’s just that kind of confidence that could make all the difference in a season like this one, where any four of the teams still standing have a strong case as the favorite.

Just like North, Edmond Memorial and Jenks, the two teams playing in the other semifinal, have yet to lose to a team from Oklahoma. Both of North’s losses came in the Palmetto Cup in Columbia, S.C.. Union, though, has lost within the state, to Jenks, 1-0, opening night. But the Redskins have yet to allow another goal since.

But the T-Wolves like their spot.

They really like being at home.

“I think it’s a huge advantage,” Mulinix said. “Because you really feed off your home crowd and they’ve really been showing up lately.”

But they’d like their chances just about anywhere.

“We’re undefeated in the state. We played well in the preseason against good teams,” Albertson said. “I don’t know, everything just feels good heading into this game.”

Clay Horning

366-3526

cfhorning@normantranscript.com

        

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