Cougars gets strong defensive effort, line play in win

Evan Davies turns upfield to run for his team's final touchdown on Friday night.

Chuck Hess photo

BAINBRIDGE — North Putnam head coach Sam Carnes knows what needs to happen on nights like Friday, when the field is wet and muddy and offensive effectiveness can be limited.

You have to have line play.

Carnes’ Cougars got strong play up front to help their running backs pile up 234 yards on the ground in a 15-6 win over Cascade. They will play at Class 2A No. 1-ranked Western Boone on Friday in the sectional championship.

“In a game like this, the line wins the game,” he said. “The quarterback has to get the exchange and the running back has to protect the ball, but at the end of the day it’s the linemen. They had some big guys, but we knew we were better up front.

“Our kids play better together.”

The Cougars returned the opening kickoff to near midfield, and marched 51 yards in nine plays to take a lead they would never give up.

Chris Murray carried six straight times during the drive, picking up a pair of first downs on the way, and finished off the march to the end zone with a three-yard TD just 4:49 into the game.

A long kickoff return and a 15-yard penalty on North Putnam put the Cadets in Cougar territory at the 37. Kevin Barger of North Putnam intercepted a Cascade pass on the first play from scrimmage after the score, but the Cougars could not convert.

The Cadets spent a lot of time in North territory the rest of the half, but could not dent the end zone.

North Putnam forced a fumble at its own 19 to end a drive midway through the second period, and the Cadets missed a field goal after being unable to scored in the red zone with first-and-goal at the four.

The Cougars added a 22-yard field goal by Elliot Sabens with 1:49 left in the first half, and took a 9-0 lead into the intermission.

Lucius Alexander (12) turns upfield after making an interception against Cascade on Friday night.

Chuck Hess photo

A scoreless third quarter saw Lucius Alexander make an interception to stop Cascade’s first drive, and the Cougars stopped the Cadets without a first down on their next two possessions.

An effective “pooch” punt by quarterback Evan Davies gave North Putnam a big field position advantage late in the third quarter, pinning Cascade at its own six.

Following a short punt, the Cougars took over at the Cascade 32 and drove to their final score. Davies carried the ball across the goal line from 10 yards out with 7:27 left to give North a 15-0 lead.

Cascade took over at its own 47 following the kickoff, and a pair of Cougar penalties aided the Cadets in driving toward their only score.

Dylan Kottkamp hit Zarek Chomalewski on a 10-yard touchdown pass with 4:55 left, but the Cougars were just too far ahead.

Carnes sprung a new weapon on the Cadets, as offensive lineman Luke Sanford was utilized as a running back. He had been used previously as a blocking back, but carried the ball eight times for 21 yards and picked up a pair of first downs — including one on fourth-and-one that led to the final touchdown by Davies.

“We put that in this week, and Luke did a great job with it,” Carnes said. “I’m glad we did. He was disappointed he didn’t get the two-point conversion, and he gave it his all. He loves this team and gives it his all every play.”

Carnes is not fearing the prospect of playing the undefeated and top-ranked Stars.

“There are no bad teams left,” he said, before knowing specifically if his team would be meeting WeBo or Tipton. “I don’t care if we’re playing No. 1, 2, 3 or whoever. At the end of the day, we have to beat the best to win the state championship.

“That’s been our goal since we lost to Tipton [in the sectional opener] last year,” Carnes added. “We have our hands full this weekend, and our opponent will be tough to get read for. We’re looking forward to it, though, and we’re just glad to be able to get to play November football. That’s what it’s all about.”

First quarter

NP — Murray 3 run (kick failed)(

Second quarter

NP — Sabens 22 FG

Fourth quarter

NP — Davies 10 run (run failed)(

C — Chomalewski 10 pass from Kottkamp (kick failed)

Individual statistics

Rushing — Cascade: Horning 10-26, Demott 4-3, Kottkamp 5-2. North Putnam: Murray 21-83, Davies 9-30, Baker 11-100, Sanford 8-21.

Passing — Cascade: Kottkamp 4-16-2 71, de Escudero 1-1-0 3. North Putnam: Davies 2-10-0 19.

Receiving — Cascade: Sanders 2-56, Tharp 3-18. North Putnam: Proctor 1-1, Alexander 1-18.