The Putnam County War Eagles (3-1, 0-1) found themselves treading unfamiliar waters last Friday night in the region opener, losing 42-26 against the Laney Wildcats (2-2, 1-0).
For the first three games, the Putnam defense has shut down their opponent’s offense. However, it was the War Eagles that were shutout 18-0 in the first quarter and a half of play.
Not giving in, the War Eagles defense strengthened, and the offensive ground game cut the lead to 18-7 following a touchdown run by Elijah Dunn. A long field goal just before the half by kicker Alex Jiminez pulled Putnam to within one score at the break.
The third quarter was a defensive battle where Putnam and Laney scored just one touchdown a piece, with both teams being successful on the 2-point conversions. This set up a 26-26 tie game going into the fourth quarter, and what could have been a dramatic end to an already exciting game.
Laney had other plans, however, and run after run to the right side of their line wore down the War Eagles defense, ultimately allowing the Wildcats to score twice in the final minutes of the game. Putnam’s offense was not able to keep up, and was forced to punt on it’s first two possessions of the fourth quarter, and quarterback Caleb Reeves threw an interception on the last possession that sealed the game for the Wildcats.
“Obviously it’s not the outcome wanted and we fell a little short,” head coach Joel Harvin said. “Hats off to Laney for hitting us in the mouth. It was one of those type of games where the person with the ball last was going to win.” Harvin added, “ Our kids battled all night but unfortunately we just couldn’t get off the field on defense. We will fix the things that we can fix and get ready for the next one.”
All offensive stats for Putnam came on the ground, with Elijah Dunn leading the way with 88 yards on 11 attempts. Kumari Thomas was not far behind with 84 yards on 14 carries. Dunn, Reeves and Rasha Ellison, Jr. all reached the endzone, scoring one touchdown a piece.
The War Eagles will host their second consecutive region home game against Aquinas tomorrow night, Friday, Sept. 24. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. at War Eagle Stadium in Eatonton.