Putnam County relied on a strong running game to defeat Greene County 42-15 in the season opener on Aug. 15.
The War Eagles (1-0) had two running backs – senior Omarion Butts and sophomore Kumari – who made the biggest impact. They accounted for most of their team’s rushing yards and touchdowns in the lopsided win.
Putnam head coach Joel Harvin thought that Butts and Thomas were the difference against the Tigers (0-1).
“Both of those guys are going to carry us all year long, and we’re looking forward to it,” Harvin said.
Butts and Thomas played key roles in helping their team build a lead and secure the win down the stretch.
Greene took a 7-0 lead late in the first quarter when tailback Dontriel Grable scored on the ground. Putnam then quickly responded as quarterback Ethan Whatley threw a 41-yard touchdown pass to tight end Bryson Brown.
Grable gave the Tigers the lead again after breaking off a long touchdown run, and their two-point conversion was successful. However, that's when Butts helped the War Eagles kick it into overdrive. They held a 22-15 lead at the half, thanks to two straight rushing touchdowns from Butts to close out the second quarter.
Butts’ final score came on a touchdown run late in the third, giving Putnam a 29-15 lead going into the fourth.
Thomas scored back-to-back touchdown runs to close out the game. His first touchdown came after the War Eagle defense got a turnover on downs early in the final quarter. They started that possession at their 7-yard line, and Thomas carried the ball seven consecutive times, resulting in a touchdown to extend the lead.
Thomas, a 5-foot-10, 205-pound sophomore, scored his and the game’s final touchdown with four minutes left.
Harvin was excited to see their hard work pay off after a long offseason.
“Both guys played nearly every snap on offense and defense. They’ve each waited for their turn,” Harvin said. “Omarion is a workhorse, excelling in the weight room every day. You can’t keep him down. I’m also proud of Kumari, who fumbled early. That motivated him to come back with vengeance, carrying us in the fourth quarter, especially on that one drive, rushing six or seven times for over 80 yards. It was great to see.”
Butts led the War Eagles in rushing. The 5-foot-10, 195-pound senior totaled 156 yards and three touchdowns on 17 attempts. Thomas finished the night running the ball 12 times for 147 yards and two scores.
Whatley was also effective on the ground and scrambled when he needed to, totaling 24 yards on three attempts. The senior signal caller also completed 5-of-7 passes for 87 yards and a touchdown against the Tigers.
Brown had one reception for 41 yards and a score, followed by Jayson Smith, who caught three balls for 20 yards.
Harvin was pleased with the performance and liked getting the ball in the hands of so many skill players.
“I think we did a pretty good job,” the third-year head coach said. “At the beginning, we started slow, but then we came into our own. We began putting drives together and playing for each other. I’m proud of our guys.”