The Putnam County War Eagles have been knocking on the door in recent seasons, reaching the playoffs but falling in the opening round each year.
Seniors Elijah Dunn and Blake Williams believe this could be the year the program finally breaks through.
Both players have played important roles during their time in Eatonton.
Dunn shared the backfield last season with former standout Omarion Butts and current junior Kumari Thomas. After serving as a complementary piece for the past few years, he’s ready to take over as the team’s feature back in 2026.
“I think this running back group will be special this year,” Dunn said. “Especially leaving in rushing yards and stuff like that all together.”
Dunn will once again be joined by Thomas, who saw significant action last season, giving the War Eagles a talented one-two punch in the backfield.
Williams brings a different skill set to the offense. Last season, he was used primarily as an H-back, helping clear running lanes for Putnam County’s backs, while also contributing at multiple linebacker spots on defense. His versatility earned him All-Region honorable mention recognition.
Williams said the biggest difference with this year’s running back group is the chemistry they have developed.
“I feel like this year, the running back group, we have a lot of teamwork,” Williams said. “We actually know each other better. We actually take team bonding time with each other, and I feel like this year actually will be a better year than last year.”
The War Eagles will also have a new face leading the offense at quarterback, with Caleb Reeves taking over after Ethan Whatley and Branan Griffin split snaps over the past few seasons.
Dunn believes Reeves’ experience as a receiver will help him make the transition.
“He brings a lot to the table,” Dunn said. “Especially coming from receiver. He actually has a good arm, and he has good talent at quarterback.”
Williams echoed that confidence, saying Reeves has impressed despite stepping into a new role.
“He’s a great quarterback,” Williams said. “Knowing that he’s not as comfortable with playing the position as much, but still he’s doing the job better than I think he would.”
After three seasons under head coach Joel Harvin, both seniors believe the War Eagles have the talent and mindset to make a deeper playoff run.
“I feel like this year, we could actually go past the first round,” Williams said. “We could actually break the curse instead of losing in the first round. We have to go past it.”
Dunn shared that same belief, saying the team’s success will come down to continuing to put in the work.
“I feel like we can go past the first round of the playoffs,” Dunn said. “I feel like we can go further than that. All we’ve got to do is keep putting in the work and have good effort and have heart for Putnam.”
For Dunn, the biggest difference with this year’s team comes down to the mentality of the senior class.
“We really want it this year,” Dunn said. “The last few years, I don’t think they really wanted it for real, but as a Class of 2027, I feel like we have higher expectations for the season.”
Williams believes the team’s chemistry and willingness to support one another can help Putnam County reach those goals.
“We actually try to lift each other up in situations where we make a better team,” Williams said.
Both Dunn and Williams also hope their senior seasons will help them continue their football careers at the next level. But before they look ahead, their focus remains on helping Putnam County achieve what the program has long sought — a playoff win and a deeper postseason run.
For this senior class, the goal is about more than individual success. It’s about changing expectations for Putnam County football and leaving a lasting impact on the program.
“We have much higher expectations for the season,” Williams said. “We have great team chemistry. Instead of bringing each other down, we actually try to lift each other up in situations where we make a better team.”