South Putnam football dealing with new expectations, new class

After knocking on the door the past few years, the South Putnam football team finally kicked it in last football season, capturing the Class A state championship. 

For the Eagles, the 55-29 win over Pioneer in the Class A state title game at Lucas Oil Stadium, put the bow on a strong 13-2 season and was quite a way to close out South Putnam's run in Class A.

Fast forward to this season, and Chuck Sorrell's Eagles now find themselves in Class 2A and with new expectations.

"We have had to really focus on ourselves and not be content with winning the title. We have a bigger challenge now, and we will have a target on our backs each week," Sorrell told The Putnam County Post. 

Sorrell said that while his team will be hunted as a defending state champion, the Eagles will not sneak up on anyone being bumped up to the Class 2A ranks. 

"The good thing is bump up to the next class, so at least we have something new to go after and not just being the hunted. We just know we have new challenges, new teams and new goals. We cannot be content," Sorrell said. 

While the Eagles have some holes to fill, South Putnam will benefit nicely from having running back Ty Benton and linebacker Keenan Mowery-Shields back this season.

Benton rushed for 2,586 yards and 27 touchdowns last year. As for Mowery-Shields, the linebacker is one of the nation's top tacklers and enters 2026 having recorded 598 career tackles after three varsity seasons. 

While Sorrell will breathe a little easier with those two back, he admits there are quite a few others he is expecting big things out of. 

"Damon Cox and Kason Ames had great increases in their weight room numbers. We are excited abour our junior linemen, Wesley Glasson, Traice King, Chris Bucy and other newcomers like Dayne Miller, Abe Daughty and Nate Tincher. We are excited to see who steps up to take the two offensive line positions," Sorrell said. 

Over the last few years, South Putnam benefitted from its younger players getting quality minutes and experience due to the starters putting points on the board and shutting down the opponent. That experience will be on full display this year. 

"Yes, a lot of our guys have got to play because of lopsided wins. They have to be ready to play varsity minutes once we get started here in three weeks. We have about 25 guys that I think are varsity ready going into the season. They still need to lift more, practice harder and earn their positions," Sorrell said. 

With non-conference tests against Putnam County foes North Putnam, Cloverdale and Greencastle, the Eagles will look to soar in the Western Indiana Conference standings against the likes of Edgewood, Vincennes Lincoln, Sullivan, West Vigo, Owen Valley, and Northview. Once the regular season is complete, the Eagles will be tested in a loaded Class 2A Sectional that features defending Class 3A champ Cascade, who has dropped down, Greencastle, Southmont, Monrovia, North Putnam, South Vermillion, and West Vigo.

Despite the changes, Sorrell maintains his team will be ready.

"Obviously, we have the same goals. Win the county. Win the conference. Win state level championship games. We must outwork every other team in 2A for the next 18 weeks," Sorrell said.