A glance at Putnam City North’s point differential isn’t all that pretty. Non-district blowouts in three of the first four games this season haven’t helped.

But, the Panthers didn’t give up an offensive touchdown against Lawton Eisenhower last Friday (Oct. 9). North coach Brian Lockart is seeing some good things.

“We have an outstanding defense. And I don’t think if you look at the scores of some of the games, it really shows how good our defense really is,” Lockart said after the 63-7 win over Ike. “Our offense has had to play catch-up because we’re young. But our defense is really, really good, and those guys work tirelessly.”

Against the overmatched Eagles, North only allowed 32 yards in the air and 86 on the ground. The Panthers also forced three turnovers in the win.

“They’re just learning how to play sustainable football. And a lot of times they’ve been in positions to where we’re expecting them to get us back on track (on offense).”

Sophomore cornerback Nile Green had a team-leading eight tackles with one for a loss. Fellow sophomore Ryder Rosholt had six tackles from the strong safety position. A host of Panthers each had five tackles including junior Mosley Robinson, sophomore Antwan Berry, junior Dominic Spotwood, senior Stephen Brown and senior Trayveion Harris.

Spotwood also had a sack and a tackle for loss.

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North sophomore Vaiaulu Toles made his first start, playing for the injured starter Owen McMahan. Toles had touchdown passes to five different receivers.

Senior Gavin Davis had four catches for 97 yards. Junior Zak Pettie added two catches and 76 yards. Sophomore Rhylen Harris snagged three receptions and 47 yards. Junior Jaiden Cherry had two catches for 40 yards. Fellow junior Jaelyn Taylor only caught one pass but it was a touchdown pass for the first score of the game.

UP NEXT

Lockart considers Choctaw coach Jake Corbin a mentor.

“Him and Coach Alexander from O have been just really supportive,” Lockart said.

After an 0-2 start against 6A-I opponents, the second-ranked Yellowjackets (5-2, 3-0) have allowed just 12.4 points a contest over the last five games.

Senior running back Anthony Keys scored three times against third-ranked Piedmont last Friday , including 71- and 51-yard runs that helped Choctaw pull away. The Yellowjacket defense also slowed the Wildcat option offense on the ground in the second half, allowing just 80 yards after halftime.

Photographs courtesy of Richard T. Clifton.

Updated October 9, 2026 at 10:30 PM

2026 Putnam City North Football

Overall Record: 1-5  ·  District Record: 1-1 (6A-II-1)

HOME GAMES in bold

* District game

2026 Choctaw Football

Overall Record: 5-2  ·  District Record: 3-0 (6A-II-1)

HOME GAMES in bold

* District game