NPMS football teams lose openers

BAINBRIDGE -- North Putnam Middle School's seventh and eighth grade teams opened the season Tuesday, losing two games to Tri-West. The Cougar eighth grade fell 28-20. The seventh grade lost 22-0.

In the eighth grade, Jake Smerage scored the opening touchdown for the Cougars on a three-yard run.

Finding themselves at a 22-6 halftime deficit, the Cougars scored 14 quick third-quarter points to draw within two. Wes Ensor had the first score of the half with an eight-yard run. Tim Wiltermood followed this up with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Colton Everts. Tyler Shorter added the PAT run to bring the score to 22-20.

The Bruins added another touchdown, though, to bring the final score to 28-20.

Nate Bryan, Nathaniel Crosby and Allain St. Victor were the Cougars' top defenders.

In the seventh grade game, it was all Bruins, as the Cougars were shut out.

Jake Haste, Garth Wishert and Trevor Smith were the top defenders for North. Josiah Lawson and Brian Quates were the Cougars' top offensive performers.

Both Cougar teams will travel to Cloverdale at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 30.