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From 7-on-7s to quarterfinals: How 2 Timberwolves’ bond has fueled playoff run

When both were placed on Norman North’s 7-on-7 team in the summer of 2021, Curtis Miller and Camden Pratcher crossed paths for the first time.

The then-sophomore defensive backs had differing personalities. Miller was outgoing and vocal while Pratcher was quiet and laid back. That clash meant they didn’t immediately click and took time to form a bond.

But at that time, Miller and Pratcher had one thing in common. The two were entering their first seasons on the Timberwolves’ varsity team, and wanted to make a name for themselves. As time went on, their shared goal brought them closer together.

And with that, a bond was formed.

“It was kind of half and half,” Miller said. “He was pretty quiet and I’m really outgoing, so it took us a while to become this close. I was nagging him a little bit at the start. But now, we’re tight.”

Ahead of Norman North’s (9-2) Class 6A-I quarterfinal playoff matchup at 7 p.m. Friday at Owasso (8-2), that bond has translated into a productive duo in the Timberwolves’ secondary. Miller and Pratcher have both locked down opposing receivers and combined for ten interceptions this year, with Miller snagging six and Pratcher recording four.

Their emphasis on takeaways has played a crucial role for Norman North’s defense — a unit that has allowed 249 points, third-best in 6A-I District 1.

“Curtis is probably a little more aggressive and (Camden) likes to sit back and bait you into throws, but they’re both very important in what we do here,” Norman North coach Justin Jones said. “They’ve been outstanding players and really do it all for us, and do what they do extremely well.”

Miller and Pratcher still have a common goal. This time, it’s to avenge the Timberwolves’ loss to the Rams in the same round last season.

“That’s the obvious goal,” Pratcher said. “We want to get to the state championship, but we really have to focus on what’s ahead of us. As long as we keep doing our thing, we have a good chance of doing that.”

Miller and Pratcher entered their senior seasons in different ways.

Pratcher had a fully healthy 2022 campaign, totaling 35 tackles, five pass breakups and two interceptions. Miller was less fortunate, missing six games of the season with an ankle injury.

Despite their differing seasons, the duo entered the offseason on the same page. Focusing on improving their technique, Miller and Pratcher stayed after practices during spring football doing footwork drills, and attended Oklahoma’s football summer camp together.

While Miller and Pratcher are friends, they are immensely competitive. Whatever one is doing, the other wants to do it better. But they manage to coexist, believing that mindset makes them better.

“I always feel like when I’m with (Camden), it’s always competitive,” Miller said. “I’m always trying to be better than him, because he’s really good. I’m just trying to be one step ahead, one (interception) ahead, one of everything ahead. But, that makes me a better player.”

Where their bond strengthened was during the 2023 track season. The two were on Norman North’s 4×100 and 4×200 relay teams a combined five times, appearing in the latter event together four times.

They also achieved personal success in track. Miller ran his best 100-meter dash at 11.61 seconds during the Greg Byram Classic, while Pratcher finished first in long jump at four different events, including a personal best 23’ 10.5” jump at the Yukon Classic on Apr. 13.

Both formed a closer relationship during the track season, spending most of their time together.

“I really feel like track brought us closer together,” Miller said. “Us not only being in the same events, but being on the same relay teams at times really helped us grow our relationship. We see each other all the time now.”

Miller and Pratcher also find ways to see each other outside of school. They regularly go to the mall together, hang out at each other’s houses and host get-togethers with the rest of their teammates.

The two also bond over their Christian faith by reading Bible verses together and praying together before games. Miller believes his faith has helped him overcome troubling times in his life such as his ankle injury, while Pratcher attributes it to his in-game focus.

“It plays a huge role in my life,” Pratcher said. “I feel like that’s how I get right. That’s how I get my mind right mentally and stay locked in.”

Despite their competitive nature toward each other, they’ve made it a goal to learn from one another. Miller says Pratcher is one of the main people helping him grow his faith, while Pratcher has been inspired by Miller to be more vocal amongst his teammates.

“I remember I was very quiet when I first got here, but now it’s totally different,” Pratcher said. “I just try to jump, yell, scream, dance and do whatever I can to get everybody energized. (Miller) always has energy and will always make you smile, so I just try to be the same.”

Since meeting each other on that summer day two years ago, Miller and Pratcher have gone from acquaintances to close friends. Their bond has not only helped Norman North win, but strengthened their lives on and off the field.

As the two share state championship aspirations and college football dreams, with Pratcher having offers from programs like Central Oklahoma, both know that bond will only become more important going forward.

“I feel like we just connect really well,” Pratcher said. “Whenever I make a big play, he’s the first to congratulate me, and I’m the same for him. We’re just trying to make each other better every day. Iron sharpens iron.”

This story was edited by Colton Sulley and Louis Raser.

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