OKCPrepSports

Putnam City

Pirates

FOOTBALL

Putnam City wins Halloween Bowl, 28-0

For the fans in the stands, it was a reminder that Halloween is just weeks away.

For the Putnam City players, it was just another day on the job.

Norman came to Putnam City Stadium looking to kick start their season. With only two wins this season, the orange and black Tigers were looking for a change in their luck.

The orange and black Pirates were aiming to continue their undefeated streak to seven games.

After stopping the Tigers on their first possession, PC started on their 39-yard line and moved the ball downfield - using only one pass. Twelve plays later, the Pirates scored a touchdown on an 11-yard run by Tyler Wegner.

After Wegner kicked the extra point, Putnam City led by seven.

Again the Pirates held Norman's offense in check, after giving up a first down - the first of only four in the game.

And for the Putnam City offense, it was back to work time.

Faced with fourth down and five yards to go from Norman's 48, PC Head Coach Mark Little called for a fake punt. With the ball snapped directly to Wegner, who was set up as a blocker for the kicker, he rambled to the 5-yard line.

Three plays later, Greg Cortes scored Putnam City's second touchdown.

On the Tigers' first play of their next possession, Norman had their biggest play of the game - a 39-yard pass completion to the Pirates' 35-yard line.

But Putnam City's defense held - forcing Norman to punt.

Late in the second period, Putnam City's outstanding defensive lineman, Dominick Gilbert-Phillips, recovered a fumbled on the Pirates' 35-yard line.

The Pirates moved the ball into the Togers end of the field as time ran out in the first half.

At halftime, Putnam City led Norman, 14-0.

The second half was similar to the first half. The Pirates dominated with their defense - and took time off the clock with their offense grinding the ball downfield. There wasn't any flash or sizzle, just blue collar effort.

Norman's offense had the ball five times. They punted three times, had a pass intercepted by Shermel Walters and the game ended with the Tigers on their own 20-yard line.

Like in the first half, Putnam City scored in each quarter.

Quarterback Nico Watson ran 25-yards for a score in the third period, while Wegner scored on a 19-yard run midway through the fourth period.

Wegner finished the night with 16 of the Pirates' 28 points on a pair of touchdowns and four extra-point kicks.

The contest became a little chippy late in the game as Tigers took on the attitude of "we may not win the game, but we will win the fight," but the Pirates stood their ground.

The 28-0 victory for Putnam City keeps them undefeated in District play and for the season. The Pirates will face an improved Yukon squad next Friday night at Putnam City Stadium.