North Putnam, South Putnam to clash in Week One contest

Ask any high school football coach, and they will tell you there's something special about the opening game of the season.

When that game is against one of your county rivals, it takes on a different meaning.

Such is the case for the South Putnam Eagles and the North Putnam Cougars, who will kick it off Friday night at 7 p.m. at North Putnam, who is unveiling its new turf field. The game can be heard on GIANT fm WREB with pregame coverage beginning at 6:30 p.m. and kickoff at 7. 

A season ago, North Putnam escaped at South Putnam with a 23-22 victory.

Last year's result is not lost on South Putnam head coach Chuck Sorrell.

"North Putnam is very sound. Coach Moore and his dad do a great job of getting this football team ready. You look over the past couple years, they're one of the only teams that holds our offense to under 30 points. We have to figure out a way and figure out a way to not be down 10-0 like we were last year and work our way back. We scored late in the game and they call a hold on us and would've put us at 30 and probably would've put the game away. We have to finish," Sorrell told The Putnam County Post. 

North Putnam coach Scott Moore welcomes the challenge the Eagles will pose. 

"We know they are going to be ready to play. They are a really good program. Coach Sorrell does a good job. They have some really good players. Like every game, we look to attack and it's one play at a time. We have to make sure we do our part to put ourselves in a position to be successful. It's a great home opener, a great week one and should be a great atmosphere. We are looking forward to the battle Friday night," Moore said. 

The game features a new quarterback for the Eagles and the playmaking skills of North Putnam signal caller Christian Kramer. 

For South Putnam, Drew Kline replaced Wyatt Mullin under center.

"Drew and Dallas Mullin were battling through June and July. We felt that Drew, and maybe it's because he was a 1A All-State guy at the safety position, it's not like something big for him. He's played varsity football. He took the reigns in June and it was hard to take it from him. He looks really sharp," Sorrell said. 

As for Kramer, Moore is optimistic about what the Butler commit brings to the table for his senior season, noting he is expecting "another step forward" from Kramer.

"Obviously, he had a great junior season, and each year he has progressed. We are looking for him to keep progressing in all aspects of the game and really be more of a leader this year with it being his senior season," Moore said. 

Kramer also drew high praise from Sorrell.

"Kramer is going to play Division I football. Our whole defensive gameplan is designed to make sure he doesn't get through us in the box and make sure he doesn't get outside of us. He's had big games. I think we've done a good job of trying to contain him, but their running back is good and they have two really good receivers. Our main goal is to make sure Kramer doesn't beat us with his legs, and if we start forcing him to pass, hopefully, we are good enough in the pass defense that we can hold him to under 200 total yards and give us a chance to win the football game," Sorrell said.