STILLWATER — In a game with rain and lightning delays, turnovers and big plays propelled top-ranked Stillwater past second-ranked Putnam City, 33-20. Both schools agreed to call the game after 1 a.m., giving the Pioneers the 6A-II-1 victory.

Like many games across Oklahoma, the start of the game was delayed due to storms moving through the state.

After a Pirate 3-and-out to start the game, Stillwater scored on its third play with senior Ethan Evans connecting with sophomore Davis Thomas over the middle for 62-yard score. The extra point was blocked.

After both teams couldn’t move the ball, PC’s special teams made an impact.

Sophomore Shaun Brown blocked Stillwater’s punt, scooped up the ball at the 15-yard line and ran it in for a score. Junior Edgar Yanez’s kick gave the Pirates a 7-6 lead with 4:27 left in the opening quarter.

The Pirate defense got another stop, but Original senior quarterback CJ Turnbull was picked off by Stillwater junior Bryson Brown, who returned it 41 yards for a touchdown. The Pioneers’ 2-point conversion failed and it was 12-7.

Turnbull was intercepted three times in the loss.

Near the end of the first quarter, Putnam City drove into Stillwater territory but Turnbull lost a fumble to the Pioneers.

The quarter ended and lightning caused a delay.

On the first play after play resumed, Evans hit Thomas again, this time from 54 yards. Thomas sprinted down the PC sideline and Stillwater’s lead increased to 19-7.

The Pirates answered on the ensuing drive. Turnbull connected over the middle with senior Savion James for a 62-yard touchdown with 10:08 left before halftime.

Stillwater threatened to extend the lead later in the quarter with a bad snap on a punt gave the Pioneers good field position. However, senior Bishop Moore picked off Evans at PC 5-yard line and zig-zagged across the field to the Stillwater 31-yard line.

That led to a 1-yard touchdown run from senior DeShawn Buford and the Pirates led 20-19, after a failed 2-point conversion.

Stillwater scored one more time before halftime. Junior Kyle Stokes, who had emerged as a threat in the red zone, ran it from seven yards out. Again, the Pioneers’ 2-point conversion failed and it was 25-20.

The Pirates drove into Stillwater territory but Turnbull’s second pick ended the threat just before halftime.

Because of the delays, the teams had a short halftime.

The Pirates recovered a Stillwater fumble on the opening kickoff of the half and had the ball at the Stillwater 30-yard line.

The drive ended with an interception on fourth down. Junior Caden Johnson juggled the ball after the pick and returned the ball to midfield.

Stillwater marched methodically down the field, draining the clock and Stokes scored again from five yards out and the Pioneer lead was 33-20 (after a 2-point conversion) with 7:33 left in the third quarter.

Play never resumed as lightning in the area for the last delay. The decision was made to end the game early and Stillwater earned the win.

For the Pirates, Turnbull completed 9 of 15 passes for 103 yards and a touchdown.

Senior Rodgerick Sloan, Jr. rushed 13 times for 76 yard. Turnbull was held to 17 yards on five carries.

James’ 62-yard catch led the team in yardage for the game. Junior Shawn Jones III added 17 yards with five catches. Senior Mitchell Taylor followed with 16 yards on three catches.

Buford paced the Pirates with eight tackled. Senior Tripp Alexander and junior Evan Metoyer each had six tackles in the loss. Alexander and fellow senior Johnnie Efferson each added a sack.

Stillwater sophomore Jaedan Adams had 75 yards on 12 rushes while junior Kyle Stokes had 41 yards on five carries and two scores.

UP NEXT

The Pirates (6-2, 4-1) host Southmoore (5-3, 3-2) next Friday (Oct. 31) at 7 p.m.

The Sabercats lost to Piedmont, 41-19, Thursday.

Photographs courtesy of Danielle Johnson.

	1	2	3	4	F
Putnam City (6-2, 4-1)	7	13	0	X	20
Stillwater (7-1, 5-0)	12	13	8	X	33