PC North makes use of turnovers, whips Moore

WARR ACRES — Putnam City North gave its quest to return to the playoffs a major boost.

Putnam North collected a 38-21 triumph over Moore on Thursday night at Putnam City Stadium. The Panthers improved to 7-1 overall and 4-1 in District 6A-I-2 play.

The Panthers seek to get to the postseason for the first time since 2013.

Angelo Bell had three touchdown catches, while the Putnam North defense reeled in six turnovers — three fumble recoveries and three interceptions.

Kyle Owens gave the Panthers the lead for good with a 37-yard field goal at the 2:18 mark of the third quarter. Keilan Scott helped set up the score with a 31-yard run.

The Panthers’ Zach Dortch made his second fumble recovery of the game on the next play from scrimmage. Putnam North took over at the Moore 37-yard line. Dortch ran 4 yards into the end zone for a touchdown to cash in the Moore turnover. North went up 31-21 entering the fourth quarter.

North tacked on Bell’s 3-yard scoring reception early in the fourth. Bell produced six catches for 80 yards, while Scott ran for 103 yards on 17 carries for the Panthers.

In the third quarter, D.K. Stevenson of Putnam North gathered in an interception and ran the pickoff 33 yards into the end zone. Putnam North held a 21-14 lead at the 7:22 mark of the third.

Daniel Hishaw darted up the middle 21 yards into the end zone to knot the score 21-21 with 4:43 showing in the third. Hishaw directed an eight-play, 75-yard march for Moore (4-4, 3-2 in district play).

Moore tied the game 14-14 on the final play of the first half. Hishaw scrambled and launched a 26-yard touchdown to Drew Johnston in the back of the end zone. The Lions took advantage of a North fumble in Moore territory on a punt.

Hishaw rallied Moore for its first touchdown by plunging 2 yards across the goal line. Hishaw threw 24 yards to Alex Baxter on a fourth-down play, then fired to Dylan Buchheit for a 27-yard gain to set up his scoring run.

Hishaw finished with 399 yards of total offense. The junior quarterback ran for 132 yards and two touchdowns while throwing for another TD. Hishaw completed 18 of 37 passes for 267 yards.

Aaron Norment lofted two scoring passes to Bell to put Putnam North on top 14-0 in the first quarter. Bell reached pay dirt on a 26-yard scoring catch with 9:04 showing in the first.

North came up with an interception on the ensuing drive. Jaramieh Harrison made the pickoff and returned the ball to midfield. Bell struck for a 33-yard touchdown off Norment’s throw with 6:37 to go in the first.

The Panthers collected three first-half turnovers, including two fumble recoveries. The Lions picked off a North pass in the first half in addition to taking advantage of the fumble.