It took just one snap for the War Eagles to jump on top of Glenn Hills last Friday night.
In front of a soggy Homecoming crowd at War Eagle stadium, on the first play of the game, Putnam running back Elijah Dunn took the handoff from quarterback Caleb Reeves and was standing in the end zone 63 yards later.
And much like Hurricane Isaias, the War Eagles’ poured it on in the first half, scoring 21 in each of the first two quarters. Glenn Hills was able to capitalize on a rare Putnam defensive miscue and cut the score to 42-8 at halftime.
The War Eagles would not score again, while the Spartans managed to add 14 points in the second half for a 42-22 final tally.
“I thought we came out and handled business in the first half on both sides of the ball,” Putnam head coach Joel Harvin said. “We gave up on an explosive play that allowed [Glenn Hills] to score because we were out of position [on defense].”
Harvin added that his younger players were able to get some valuable on-field experience after halftime.
“In the second half, our young guys were able to get a lot of playing time, but were not able to take care of the ball, which allowed [Glenn Hills] to score a couple more touchdowns.”
The win moved Putnam’s season record to 6-1 and 3-1 in the region. As it stands, a 10-7 Social Circle win over Monticello last Friday night helped boost the War Eagles to the top spot in Region 2A-4 standings.
Putnam is off this week, but Harvin said the work continues.
“We are gong to use the off week to get healthy and prepare for Monticello,” Harvin said. “They have a good team this year with a lot of returning starters that are going to make for a difficult week.”
Putnam will travel to Hurricane Stadium in Monticello next Friday, Oct. 23, to face the Jasper County Hurricanes in a very important game if the War Eagles want any shot at winning the region title. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.