Putnam County is looking to take the next step in 2025 under third-year head coach Joel Harvin.
The War Eagles have been in limbo the past two seasons, finishing with 6-5 and 5-6 records and losing in the first round of the postseason. They aim to break through in 2025 by winning a region title and making a deep playoff run. Their chances of accomplishing those goals are very high as they return a veteran-laden roster.
Harvin noted that his players gained valuable snaps over the past two seasons, playing as underclassmen. He has observed progress during the offseason, with improvements in the weight room and on the practice field.
This year’s group of seniors has been with Harvin for three years. He stated that this senior class understands the expectations, how he wants them to practice, and the level of physical play he expects on the field.
“We've got a lot of battle-tested kids and a lot of good experience in different positions,” Harvin said. “We've got some kids who have been playing for three years straight, starting when they were young, and now they're older. They've been through the ups and downs and faced a lot of adversity. Now, it's their time to shine.”
After losing last year’s leaders, seniors like Branan Griffin, Rodney “RJ” Hines, Bill Waters, Johnny Bishop, and Omarion Butts will all contribute, but Harvin expects them to lead by example.
“I’m excited about these guys, and they’re excited for the season to be here,” Putnam County’s coach said. “You're not trying to wish away the season or anything, but you've got a group of seniors now that they're going to go into their last season. And I hope they just cherish every moment, man, because it's going to fly by.”
Harvin is optimistic about juniors Bryson Brown, Elijah Dunn, and Jabius Farley taking on larger roles.
While having a veteran roster is important, it all comes down to execution, which is something Putnam struggled with in 2024 on each side of the ball. Harvin and his staff have been working with their players all summer.
This season, the War Eagles will look a bit different, with new coordinators hired in the offseason.
Harvin hired Kyle Wilson to lead the offense. Wilson brings extensive experience to the team after spending the past eight seasons at Brooks County, where he helped the Trojans win a state championship in 2021.
The War Eagles will likely use a two-quarterback system with Griffin and fellow senior Ethan Whatley, who both have valuable experience. Whatley gained valuable experience last year, and Griffin started as a freshman.
“We've got some experience there and have some guys that have played in some big games for us at that spot,” Harvin said. “That's not a position that I'm really worried about.”
Harvin believes the offensive line is the team’s strength, blocking for a stable of tailbacks, including Hines, Waters, Butts, and Dunn. Sophomore Kumari Thomas is also expected to get touches.
The passing game was a weakness last season, and Harvin wants Wilson to throw more through the air this year.
Brown, Jayson Smith, and Caleb Reeves, among others, will likely be the team’s most reliable pass catchers.
“Offensively, we're going to try and throw the ball a little bit more than we did last year,” Harvin said. “It's a bit of a transition to that more than we did last year. We've always had a strong running game, but we need to improve in the passing game to win the big games.”
James Lal has coaching experience at the high school, college, and professional levels and will coach the defense.
Putnam’s defensive line will be the strength of that side of the ball, featuring run-stoppers like Brown, Japheth Nelson, and Steven Grandt, among others.
The War Eagles’ linebacking core, led by Butts, Christian Farley, and Blake Williams, will also help stop the run and rush the passer.
Waters and fellow senior Jorden Porter will lead the secondary, which experienced a lot of turnover but still has talent.
Harvin said the biggest thing the defense needs to work on to improve execution is just getting players in the “right spot.”
“You've got a lot of good talent on the field. You've just got to get them in the right spot, get them to understand what we're doing.” Harvin said. “We can be successful with them. Talent-wise, we should be able to compete with anybody.”