Cougars to face familiar foe in second round

When the undefeated North Putnam Cougars' football team takes the field for its sectional semifinal game Friday it will face a familiar opponent.

The Cougars will take on North Montgomery (8-2) on the road in their quest to reach the sectional championship game for the first time since 2003.

North Putnam will face the Chargers for the fifth time in the last six years Friday.

The Cougars last met North Montgomery in the first round of last season's sectional tournament, a game they lost 21-20.

In the previous four meetings between the two teams, the Chargers have a 3-1 advantage, with the Cougars' lone victory, a 33-20 win, coming in the first round of sectional action in 2004.

But North Putnam is a much different team this season.

Despite the fact that the Cougars are the statistical favorite to win Friday's game, NPHS coach Dave Pasch said his team isn't letting the success they have enjoyed this season go to its head.

The Cougars are averaging 34.2 points per game while allowing their opponents a mere 9.6.

They have been led all season by senior quarterback Brayden Dahlstrom, who put on an offensive show in last week's sectional opener against Tri-West.

Dahlstrom threw for 267 yards, completing 14-of-26 pass attempts while tossing three touchdowns in NPHS's 28-19 victory over the Bruins.

He ran the Cougars' last touchdown of the game, a 5-yard drive, and was 4-of-4 in extra point attempts against Tri-West.

The Cougars' running game was also in high gear last week, as they recorded 142 yards on the ground.

Adam Vondersaar led North Putnam with 62 yards rushing on nine carries, and Kyle Rooker had 40 yards on 25 carries.

Dahlstrom ran for 35 yards against the Bruins on nine carries.

North Montgomery reached this week's sectional semifinal with a 33-12 victory over South Putnam last week.

The Chargers' starting quarterback, Jake German, tallied 227 yards in the air with 17 completions on 27 attempts. He also threw for one touchdown.

In the rushing department, North Montgomery had 166 yards against the Eagles. Four of the Chargers' five touchdowns in the game came via the run.

North Putnam will travel to Linden to face the Chargers for a 7 p.m. start Friday.