Putnam City graduated some key components from the last season’s 6A-II semifinal team, but Pirate coach Willis Alexander expects good things from his returners.
Original welcomes 6A-I Yukon to Pirate Stadium Friday (Aug. 28).
Alexander emphasized the need to stay health and said his squad has to develop “quality depth.”
“Offensively we have a chance to be solid, players have valuable playing experience,” Alexander said of his spread offense which include five returning starters.
PC’s top offensive players include offensive lineman Cris’Shawn Rhodes (5’9” 305 lbs). The senior will be a 3-year starter and is graded at 86 percent. Another highly graded offensive lineman is senior Braxton Chase (6’3” 310 lbs. He will be a 3-year starter and is graded at 84 percent.
Other key contributors include senior wide receiver Shawn Jones III (5’10” 155 lbs). Last season, Jones had 15 catches for 248 yards and two touchdowns. Senior running back Kahmi Herrera (5’9” 180 lbs) also returns. Herrera rushed for 220 yards, averaging 7.1 yards per carry. The Pirates also welcome back senior Wyatt Keefer. The running back and linebacker (6’1″ 200 lbs) returned to Original after two years at 4A Bethany.
Keefer joins four returning starter on the Pirates’ 4-3 defense.
“Defensively we have many players that have valuable playing and starting experience,” Alexander said. “Our success will rely on our development of our depth, and the off-field growth transferring to the field.”
Key returnees include senior linebacker Evan Metoyer-Wade (6’0”, 215 lbs) Metoyer-Wade had 65 tackles last season with seven tackles for a loss.
Senior defensive back Jonas Stinson-Powers (6’0”, 155 lbs) is also back. Stinson-Powers had 34 tackles and 12 pass breakups last season. He holds two 2 FCS college offers.
Senior defensive back Keondre Huffman (5’7” 155 lbs) returns. Huffman will be a 3-year starter and Alexander describes him as the “heart and soul of the defense.” Last season, Huffman amassed 33 tackles and broke up nine passes.
UP NEXT
The Pirates have opened with 6A-I Yukon the past two seasons, with the Millers winning both matchups, 26-16 in 2024 and 52-49 last season.
Yukon struggled to a 6-6 record last season but made it to the 6A-I quarterfinals before a 45-7 loss to state 6A-I runner-up Owasso.
The Pirates and Millers kick off at 7 p.m.
PUTNAM CITY 2026 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
| Date | Opponent | Time / Result |
|---|---|---|
| Aug. 28 | vs Yukon | 7 PM |
| Sept. 4 | at Ponca City | 7 PM |
| Sept. 11 | vs Booker T. Washington | 7 PM |
| Sept. 17 | vs Midwest City (Senior Night) | 7 PM |
| Sept. 25 | at Piedmont* | 7 PM |
| Oct. 2 | vs Putnam City North* (Homecoming) | 7 PM |
| Oct. 8 | at Norman* | 7 PM |
| Oct. 15 | at Putnam City West* | 7 PM |
| Oct. 23 | vs Choctaw* | 7 PM |
| Oct. 30 | at Lawton Eisenhower* | 7 PM |
HOME GAMES in bold
* District game
West Metro Sports 