Game preview: Putnam City vs. PC North
Putnam City North's Dre Holman is looking forward to his first game against rival Putnam City after missing it the last two years because of injuries.
It feels a little weird trying to gather my thoughts to write the preview for the Putnam City-Putnam City North game, which kicks off tonight at 7 at Putnam City Stadium. And here’s why:
On the field tonight, you’re going to see a team that has a really good running back, a new starter at quarterback who looks pretty athletic, several new starters on the offensive and defensive lines, and a solid defensive backfield with some athletic, experienced players returning.
Which team is it? Take your pick. Both the Panthers and Pirates fit that mold. So trying to differentiate the keys to the game for each team is difficult.
But you can bet that those two running backs — Putnam City’s Casey Curtis and PC North’s Dre Holman — will have a lot to say about the outcome.
It pains me not to be able to see this game, because Curtis and Holman are two of my favorite backs to watch. One opposing coach who saw Curtis in the preseason says he’s the best back in the state, and I think Holman is on the verge of a big-time breakout year.
What to watch for: Putnam City
Putnam City North will have to find a way to keep a handle on PC's Casey Curtis tonight.
I think one of the biggest keys for the Pirates will be linebacker play. Elie Rushing is one of the better middle linebackers in the metro, but you can’t discount how much PC will miss outside ‘backer Desmond Tilly. His speed and playmaking skills would be valuable in this setting. I would expect him back in the next week or two from the sprained LCL, but he will be missed, especially in run support.
So the other outside linebackers and the safeties will be important in helping with stopping the run when Holman gets past the line of scrimmage. They’ll need to fill gaps and not let Holman get going downhill, because that’s when he’s most dangerous.
What to watch for: Putnam City North
I see the most important area for the Panthers tonight being on the offensive line. Left tackle Daniel Burton is one of the top linemen in the state, but most of the line is inexperienced. Keeping pressure off first-year starter John Robert Simon at QB will be crucial, especially early. Simon is a smart, talented athlete, and if he’s able to hit a couple throws early and build some confidence, it will carry him a long way.
Defensively, it’s all about clogging the running lanes. Curtis doesn’t need a big hole to scoot into the open field, and when he gets to the second and third levels of the defense, there aren’t a lot of guys who can wrap him up. So the key is not letting him find a crease.
The Pick: PC North 24, PC 20. I don’t have a good explanation why I think this will happen, it’s just a feeling. The biggest difference I see in the two teams is the extra depth PC North has in the trenches. Both teams have good players up front, but the Pirates will have to use most of their best linemen on both sides of the ball for much of the game. With the importance of the run game for both teams, I think that gives the Panthers the edge tonight.
– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com
Twitter: @ScottWrightOK
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lol 63-28 PCO, your prediction was so off.
What now??