Putnam North at Choctaw preview capsule
Putnam City North (2-0) at Choctaw (0-2)
When: 7:30 tonight
Where: Jensen Field, Choctaw
Why Putnam City North could win: The Panthers have shown that replacing almost all of their offensive and defensive lines wasn’t a major problem. They might not be as good as last year’s stout group, but they’re good enough. And the spread offense has been handled well by junior quarterback Jace James, who has managed it with consistency.
Why Choctaw could win: For one, the Panthers are battling injuries and will be without two of their top offensive players in running back Sam Wolfe (broken collarbone) and receiver Dillon Schooley (mono). And don’t underestimate Choctaw. The Yellowjackets are tough, and they’ve got some speed to go with it. Bill Bays’ squad is still looking for its first win of the year, but they’ve got a solid offense with a good run-pass combo with quarterback Tanner Hessman and a solid group of running backs.
Quote: “Choctaw’s really big and they run well. It’ll be a challenge for us, because they’re physical. The quarterback’s as good an athlete as there is around.” – PC North coach Bob Wilson
Key matchup: Choctaw run game vs. PC North run stoppers. Hessman needs the run game to be there to open up some room for the pass, particularly to senior tight end Drew Parrish, a 6-foot-4, 266-pounder who is a key in the passing game. If the Panthers can limit the zone-read and Choctaw’s other running plays, they’ll be able to keep the offense in check.
The pick: PC North 28-24. I like the way Jace James has taken control of the PC North offense and if there’s anything missing in the run game with the absence of Sam Wolfe, the receivers will pick up the slack.
– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
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That new PCN offense is a thing of beauty. Once they get both RB’s back and the WR… look out Jenks/Union.
Rawwrrrrrr!