PUTNAM CITY NORTH PANTHERS
Coach: RYAN LAVERTY
Schedule:
9-3 – vs. Putnam City
9-10 – at Piedmont
9-17 – at Putnam City West
9-24 – at US Grant
10-1 – vs. Deer Creek
10-8 – at Lawton
10-14 – vs. Del City
10-22 – at Midwest City
10-29 – vs. NW Classen
11-5 – vs. Stillwater
Last 7 Years:
2020 – 8-3
2019 – 6-4
2018 – 8-3
2017 – 3-7
2016 – 1-9
2015 – 2-8
2014 – 4-6
Quick Hits:
The Panthers led Class 6A-Division II in defensive scoring average allowing only 13 points per game.
Putnam North defeated Bartlesville 31-6 in the first round of the playoffs. It was the first meeting between the schools.
Running back Amaurion Norment shined in the playoff win over the Bruins, rushing for 260 yards on 26 carries and two touchdowns.
OFFENSE
After a successful 2020 season, the Panthers want more. “Extremely excited about what could be a deep run into the playoffs with our experience returning from a quarterfinal eight and three team,” head coach Ryan Laverty said. Laverty is in his sixth season as the head coach for Putnam City North, and see’s the most potential in this year’s team. The Panther offense has seven returning starters, including running back Amaurion Norment (5-9, 180, Sr.). Norment rushed for 728 yards and 15 touchdowns a year ago. “He is our do everything player, he rarely leaves the field,” coach Laverty said. Alongside Norment is quarterback Carson Laverty (6-0, 175, Jr.) who had a successful sophomore campaign for the Panthers, throwing for nearly 1,500 yards and 14 touchdowns, two of which were rushing. “Very smart and athletic QB that manages the game very well. Looking for big things to come from him after a great sophomore season,” coach Laverty said. With an experienced quarterback and running back, an offensive line is vital. The Panthers return four experienced and stand out linemen. Tre Busher (6-2, 275, Sr.), Jalen Allen (6-3, 290, Sr.), Grant Donnellon (6-2, 250, Sr.) and TeShane Edwards (5-9, 260, Sr.) all have significant in game experience that will carry over to success for this Putnam City North team. The game plan for the Panthers is to spread the field and utilize their speed and athleticism in space.
DEFENSE
On the defensive side of the ball, the Panthers return five starters from last year’s team. They plan on running an odd stack base formation, utilizing their team speed to attack and pressure opposing teams. One thing is for sure, teams need to pay attention to defensive end Jaleel Johnson (6-5, 245, Sr.). Johnson is a college coaches dream due to his size, speed, and power. In 2020, Johnson recorded 80 tackles, six sacks, and ten tackles for a loss. Johnson currently holds 15 Division One offers. Haydn Thornton (6-2, 200, Sr.) lines up at the linebacker position and had a very impressive junior season, racking up 115 tackles and had four interceptions. Also a linebacker, Tony Thomas (6-0, 190, Sr.) recorded 25 tackles as a junior. Three defensive backs return for the 2021 Panthers, including Dazjuan Matthews (6-3, 170, Sr.), Trell Churchill (5-9, 155, Jr.), and Cam Hunt (5-10, 150, Jr.). In the 2020 season, Matthews recorded 40 tackles, four interceptions and five passes broken up. Expect to see a stellar defense for the Panthers, after only giving up 13 points per game the previous season, and still returning such key players.
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