Putnam City North’s second year of a rebuild continues Friday (Aug. 28) under head football coach Brian Lockart with a strong senior class but youth in key positions.

“We have quality senior leadership, and we’ve leaned heavily on that group throughout the offseason,” Lockart said via preseason questionnaire.

Despite the sometimes bumpy road, Lockart said his players “have fully bought into the expectations and standards of our program.”

North was 2-9 last season, but went 2-5 in 6A-II District 2 which was good enough to earn a playoff berth. The Panthers have made the playoffs for six straight years but last finished above .500 in 2024 with Derek Lane’s squad went 8-4 and made the state quarterfinals.

Lane is back with the school this season in a new role as the athletic director.

The last time the Panthers missed the playoffs was a 6-4 mark in 2019, their last season in 6A-I.

For 2026, Lockart is looking forward to seeing how his team grows.

“Ultimately, our success will come down to us — how well we stay together, continue to develop, and grow collectively despite our youth in critical areas,” Lockart said. “This is a group that plays with tremendous heart, toughness, and resilience. I expect nothing less than their best every time they step onto the field, and I have no doubt they will give everything they have for each other, our program, and our community.”

Like most schools, declining enrollment has led to lower roster numbers. In addition, the Panthers have graduated nearly 50 seniors over the last two seasons.

“We simply haven’t had the numbers coming up behind them to fully replace that experience and depth,” Lockart said.

North also lost an important player to the transfer portal. Senior Charlie Bowie left to go to 3A Mount Saint Mary after being a key wide receiver.

Despite the number challenges and the portal, Lockart said his team doesn’t make escuses.

“We know who we are, we understand the challenges in front of us, and we embrace them. Our program has always been built on relationships, accountability, and a team-first mindset.”

He highlights his team’s “US” mentality and its role when his team deals with adversity.

“We believe that when our players stay connected, trust one another, and compete for each other, we give ourselves the best opportunity to grow and be successful, regardless of the circumstances.”

Lockart highlights his key returnees for West Metro Sports.

Adrienne Cheatham | OL/DE | 6’2″, 255 lbs. | Senior
Adrienne will be one of the cornerstones of our football team this season. A two-way starter, he primarily plays left and right tackle offensively while also starting at defensive end. He is a strong, athletic player who excels in the weight room and competes at a high level in powerlifting. Defensively, Adrienne recorded 16 tackles and one sack last season, while also providing consistency and stability on the offensive line. He is one of the workhorses of our program, and we’re excited to see what he accomplishes during his senior season.

Gavin Davis | WR/DB | 5’6″, 160 lbs. | Senior
Gavin is one of our most dynamic two-way players. Offensively, he is a shifty receiver who runs excellent routes, creates separation, and has a knack for finding open space in the defense. Defensively, he gives us stability at cornerback and has proven to be a playmaker. As a junior, Gavin finished with 67 tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown. We’re excited to see him once again make an impact in critical roles on both sides of the football during his senior season.

Jaylen Willis | OL | 5’8″, 225 lbs. | Junior
Jaylen has been a key piece of our offensive line, playing both center and guard throughout his career. He has an outstanding understanding of our offensive scheme and is a true leader up front. His knowledge of every position along the offensive line makes him invaluable, and he has been a catalyst for our offense. Although he may be undersized by traditional standards, Jaylen’s strength, leverage, toughness, and relentless work ethic allow him to consistently compete at a high level. He plays with tremendous heart and is someone we rely on to provide stability and leadership within our offensive front.

Stephen Brown | OLB | 6’1″, 190 lbs. | Senior
Stephen returns after leading our defense with 95 tackles last season while also recording three fumble recoveries, including one returned for a touchdown. He is an extremely athletic linebacker with outstanding speed, physicality, and a high football IQ. As a standout track athlete, he has the ability to cover ground quickly and make plays all over the field. Stephen plays with great length, instincts, and relentless effort, and we expect him to once again be the leader of our defense during his senior season.

Dominic Spotwood | ILB | 6’0″, 185 lbs. | Junior
Dominic is another leader on our defense. Whether he’s attacking downhill from the middle or coming off the edge, he plays with relentless effort and a motor that never stops. He finished last season with 47 tackles and one sack and has developed into one of our most vocal leaders. Dominic’s athleticism, toughness, and ferocious pursuit of the football helps set the tone for our defense, and we expect him to continue making a major impact this season.

Gavin Krone | DE/TE | 6’5″, 200 lbs. | Senior
Gavin is an outstanding two-way player whose length and athleticism create matchup problems on both sides of the football. Defensively, he recorded 22 tackles and one sack last season while consistently using his quick first step and explosive get-off to pressure opposing offenses. Offensively, he gives us versatility at tight end with his ability to block at the point of attack and make plays in the passing game with his reliable hands. We’re excited to see Gavin build on an already impressive career during his senior season.

D’Shaun Loggins | ILB | 5’11”, 230 lbs. | Senior
D’Shaun has transformed himself into one of the most physical players in our program. A relentless worker both in the weight room and on the field, he has earned an offer from UCO and continues to elevate his game. After recording 22 tackles last season, D’Shaun enters his senior year in outstanding shape and poised for a breakout season. His toughness, work ethic, and physical style of play make him a player we’re counting on to lead our defense.

Lockart also outlined the newcomers to the Panthers.

Owen McMahan | QB | Junior | 6’1″, 180 lbs.
Owen transfers to Putnam City North from Edmond Memorial and will be a junior this season. He has done an outstanding job of learning our offense and competing throughout the offseason. I’m looking forward to seeing what he’s capable of in a live game setting and watching him continue to develop.

Ryder Rosholt | RB/DB | Sophomore | 5’11”, 185 lbs.
Ryder joins our program from Deer Creek and will be a sophomore this season. He has an excellent athletic build and possesses the versatility to contribute at both running back and in the secondary. He has embraced the work required in our program, and we’re excited to see the impact he can make on both sides of the football.

Kason Humber | WR/DB | Sophomore | 5’10”, 160 lbs.
Kason is another Deer Creek transfer who will be just a sophomore this season. He is an athletic defensive back with tremendous upside and has shown the ability to make plays in the secondary. We’re excited about his future and believe he has the potential to become a key contributor for our defense.

UP NEXT

The Panthers open the season on the road at 5A Bishop McGuinness Friday (Aug. 28) at 7 p.m.

The Irish went 12-2 last season and finished as state runner-up behind 5A power Carl Albert.

PUTNAM CITY NORTH 2026 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

HOME GAMES in bold

* District game