Published August 20, 2008 11:07 pm - Greg Nation knows how important the quarterback position is.
And that’s why the new Norman High coach isn’t going to rush making the decision for a starter at the position.
Friendly rivalry for NHS QB job
Jeff Johncox
The Norman Transcript
Greg Nation knows how important the quarterback position is.
And that’s why the new Norman High coach isn’t going to rush making the decision for a starter at the position.
“If you’re in camp, and you have good competition going, people going out for the same job, one is going to be upset, but they’re both going to push each other,” Nation said.
The Tigers are gearing up for a trip to Lawton Friday for their first preseason scrimmage.
Senior Trenton Wright and junior Chad Anderson entered last week’s intrasquad scrimmage fighting for the starting quarterback job, and the battle has continued through the second week of practice.
“They’re both good athletes,” Nation said. “They both can play.”
Each player is talented, and each has strong points that differ from the other.
Wright may be a little quicker, and Anderson may pick up the offense a little faster. Wright has a strong arm, Anderson makes good decisions and has a size advantage.
But is the competition for the starting spot helping them become better at the position?
“It does, really,” an enthusiastic Anderson said. “It pushes me. (Wright) is a great athlete with a strong arm. It makes me have to work harder on and off the field and really push myself to be a better quarterback.
“We’re battling for a position here, so we both have to work hard at it.”
Nation likes having two quarterbacks ready to lead his team. What coach wouldn’t? But he’s not about to take a drastic measure like using them both as starters.
“I’m not really into a two-quarterback concept,” he said. “But they’re both such good athletes, they’ll get on the field somehow.”
Wright likes the competition, too.
He had some experience at quarterback last year, and has an extra season on Anderson.