Putnam City Pirates OK 2025 Team Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 25% Off Your Subscription By Entering Knight25 In The Coupon Code Area. Enjoy!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's the month of July and that means it's preview time! Throughout the month of July and even into August, we are publishing well over 100 of the most in-depth team previews that you'll find anywhere to get you completely ready for the 2025 football season. This is something that began for us at PRZ-Oklahoma in 2021 and it continues to get bigger and better every single year. We're looking forward to diving deep into the top teams across the state in every class. From defending champions, to the top contenders and plenty of dark horses and other teams to know, we'll have complete coverage every single day. There will be multiple previews dropping every single day! In this post, we take a look at the Putnam City Pirates!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Putnam City Pirates&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Preseason Prep Redzone Ranking: #4 In Class 6A-2</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: Willis Alexander - 3rd Season - 12-12 Record At Putnam City</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2024 RESULTS (7-5 Record - Lost In Class 6A-2 Quarterfinals)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aug. 30th - Lost To Yukon 26-16<br>Sept. 6th - Beat Putnam City West 43-0<br>Sept. 13th - Beat Putnam City North 21-7<br>Sept. 26th - Beat Northwest Classen 68-7<br>Oct. 4th - Lost To Choctaw 54-14<br>Oct. 11th - Beat Lawton Eisenhower 35-7<br>Oct. 18th - Beat U.S. Grant 56-6<br>Oct. 25th - Lost To Stillwater 28-7<br>Nov. 1st - Beat Southmoore 28-14<br>Nov. 8th - Lost To Piedmont 21-14<br>1st Round - Beat Bartlesville 26-14<br>Quarterfinals - Lost To Muskogee 14-0</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>2024 Offensive Scoring Average: 27.3 Points Per Game<br>2024 Defensive Scoring Average: 16.5 Points Per Game</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Putnam City Pirates came into the 2024 football season with high expectations. After going 5-7 in 2023, Putnam City was one of the teams we had circled to have a bounce back season and they certainly did just that. While ultimately, the result was the same, an exit in the quarterfinal round, Putnam City flipped their record from 5-7 to 7-5 and now they have some momentum going into 2025. The Pirates opened the 2024 season with a loss to Yukon but bounced back with rivalry wins over Putnam City West and Putnam City North. They lost to Choctaw early on in district play and then again to Stillwater in week eight. Each time, the Pirates bounced back the following week but they tripped up again in the regular season finale, losing to Piedmont and that cost them with the playoff seeding. They opened up the playoffs with a first round win over Bartlesville but would lose 14-0 to defending champion Muskogee. The season came to an end at 7-5 after entering the year with a preseason top five ranking and all eleven starters returning on the defensive side of the ball. The quarterback position was inconsistent as they battled through injuries. It was certainly a “what if” season for Putnam City but when you look at this roster they have returning, that's the main reason we think that the Pirates have plenty of momentum as we inch closer to the start of the 2025 football season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2025 OUTLOOK</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For the second straight year, Putnam City comes into the season as a top five team in our 6A-2 preseason rankings. But for the Pirates in 2025, it's very simple. Preseason rankings mean nothing. They're focused on truly contending this fall and being the top team in this class in December. The Pirates will bring back a little over half of their starters from last season to do just that. They lost a future D1 prospect to another OKC-area school this offseason but they also brought one in. We mentioned earlier how the Pirates had inconsistent play at quarterback but now they have a new signal caller that has three years of starting experience at his previous school. That will give this Putnam City offense an immediate shot of energy for a unit that brings back six starters from last year's squad. Defensively, they have to replace multiple D1 prospects but they come into this season still having multiple D1 prospects. All eyes will be on the front seven for a defense that also brings back six starters from last season. When you look at the schedule, it's all going to come down to the district slate. Defending champion Choctaw is the preseason favorite in 6A-2 and fellow district opponent Stillwater is right behind them. It'll be easy for Putnam City to focus on those games in week five and eight respectively but in order to take that next step and truly contend for the state title, they have to take it one game at a time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>KEY LOSSES TO GRADUATION</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brayden Knox - Linebacker (Signed With North Texas - All State 1st Team Selection)<br>Mykel Ford - Defensive Back (Signed With Nevada - All State Honorable Mention)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>PLAYERS TO WATCH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["434614"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686e573410284"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='434614' first='CJ' last='Turnbull'] gives Putnam City an experienced signal caller that is used to competing for state championships. Turnbull started for Millwood the last three seasons, helping lead them to the state championship game each year. He's firmly established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the state and we think he could help guide Putnam City to new heights this season. He's incredibly productive and last season, it all started to come together as he was incredibly smooth with everything he did in the backfield. And when you look at the skill talent on this Putnam City roster, Turnbull is going to have plenty of weapons to move this Pirate offense up and down the field.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><em>(2024 All State Honorable Mention)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1624786"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686e5734102f6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior linebacker and Kansas State commit [player_tooltip player_id='1624786' first='DJ' last='Ackerson'] absolutely blew up as a prospect during the last six months. Following his junior season, Ackerson's film started making the rounds and he went from someone who was under the radar to getting power four offers every other day. Ultimately, he decided on Kansas State earlier this offseason. And we mentioned earlier in the preview how the strength of this defense will be the front seven and Ackerson is a big reason why. But we're very intrigued to watch him this season. During the spring, Ackerson was also putting in work at the wide receiver position and giving the Pirates a big and athletic target in the passing game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1331260"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686e57341034c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior running back [player_tooltip player_id='1331260' first='Rodgerick' last='Sloan'] was one of the breakout stars in the Putnam City offense a year ago. Sloan would run for well over 800 yards on 158 carries last season. And the thing we like most about his game is how well he played down the stretch. And the Pirates had no problems feeding him. In the final two games of the regular season and the first round of the playoffs, Sloan carried the ball 84 times and had over 500 yards in those three games alone. This season, Sloan should come into the season with a ton of confidence when you consider how last season ended. And we like what the Pirates have up front to pave the way for Sloan. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["587267"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686e57341039b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='587267' first='Savion' last='James'] will be one of Turnbull's top targets this season in the passing game. Last year, despite the inconsistencies from the quarterback position, James would establish himself as the team's top target in the passing game. He finished with 34 catches for nearly 650 yards and nine touchdowns. He had multiple games where he went over 100 yards and had a touchdown and we're looking to see more of that from James this season. Again, he's going to have some help around him so that should make things easier. He's described as a dynamic playmaker and we're looking to see that playmaking on full display. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1607343"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-686e5734103f0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">While Ackerson is one big reason to watch the Putnam City front seven, senior lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1607343' first='Tripp' last='Alexander'] is the other. Like Ackerson, Alexander enjoyed a monster breakout season in 2024. He went from another name to keep an eye on to one of the best defensive linemen in the state, earning All State 3rd Team honors. Now, the Pirates did lose a lot off that defensive line but Alexander has already shown us that he has the ability to pick up the slack and to continue being a difference maker on the line of scrimmage. Alexander is going to be a problem for a lot of offensive linemen this season. He's a force on the defensive line and will be one of the more experienced players in 6A-2.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><em>(2024 All State 3rd Team Selection)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>MORE NAMES TO KNOW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1592661' first='Keelan' last='Johnson'] - 2026 Defensive Lineman<br>Keondre Huffman - 2026 Defensive Back<br>Thomas Stone - 2026 Tight End/Linebacker<br>Tre Timberlake - 2026 Offensive Lineman</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2025 SCHEDULE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aug. 29th - AT Yukon</strong><br>- For the second straight year, the season will open up with a game against Yukon. The Pirates would fall to the Millers 26-16 last season. Last year's meeting was the first between these two since they were district foes in 2014 and 2015. Both teams come into this season, looking to be improved from 2024.<br><strong>Sept. 4th - Putnam City West</strong><br>- In week one, the Pirates will host rival Putnam City West and they are looking for their second straight win in the series. This one has gone back and forth over the last few years with both teams holding 2-2 records in the last four meetings. The Pirates were dominant in last year's 43-0 win.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 12th - AT Putnam City North</strong><br>- After facing PC West, the Pirates will try to capture the city championship with a win over PC North to close out non-district action. The Pirates have won four straight in this series, including last year's 21-7 victory over the Panthers. They're on a bit of a run here, winning seven of the last ten.&nbsp;<br><strong>Sept. 26th - AT Northwest Classen</strong><br>- Putnam City will open up their district slate with a road game against Northwest Classen. The Pirates have faced the Knights in each of the last three years and all three have resulted with big Putnam City wins. Last year's 68-7 victory over Northwest Classen was their largest margin of victory in 2024.<br><strong>Oct. 3rd - Choctaw</strong><br>- To be the best, you gotta beat the best and in week five, the defending champs come to town. Putnam City hosts Choctaw and if the Pirates are going to contend in 6A-2, this is the measuring stick. Putnam City lost 54-14 last season and have dropped the last five in the series.<br><strong>Oct. 9th - AT Lawton Eisenhower</strong><br>- After facing the defending champs, PCO will have a short week as they head down to Lawton to face Eisenhower. The Eagles will have a first year head coach this fall. Putnam City won 35-7 last season. Lawton Ike was another new district opponent for Putnam City as they hadn't played since 2009.<br><strong>Oct. 16th - U.S. Grant</strong><br>- On a Fall Break Thursday night, Putnam City will host U.S. Grant, sandwiched in between two big district road games. The Pirates beat the Generals 56-6 last season. Last year was actually the first time these two had squared off since they were district opponents in 2010 and 2011.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 24th - AT Stillwater</strong><br>- Since the split in Class 6A a decade ago, Stillwater has consistently been the thorn in Putnam City's side. They've met six times since 2016 and the Pioneers have won all six meetings, including last year's 28-7 victory. The Pirates will go on the road for this week eight clash.&nbsp;<br><strong>Oct. 31st - Southmoore</strong><br>- On a Halloween Friday night in week nine, Putnam City will host Southmoore. Just like the Pirates, this is a Sabercat team that is bringing a lot of momentum into the 2025 season. The Pirates won 28-14 last season and have won two out of the last three meetings in the series.&nbsp;<br><strong>Nov. 7th - Piedmont</strong><br>- Putnam City will close out the regular season at home, against Piedmont, in a game that they will certainly have circled. The Pirates lost to the Wildcats in the regular season finale a year ago. That was the first meeting between these two programs. Piedmont prevailed 21-14.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>NOTABLE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head coach Willis Alexander has been a head coach for five different programs over the last two decades. Alexander turned Douglass into one of the OKC powerhouse programs a little over a decade ago, capturing the 2010 state championship. He won nearly 100 games as head coach of the Trojans. Now, he's about to enter year three with the Pirates and we already mentioned how last year saw Putnam City flip their record from 5-7 to 7-5. Now, they have a shot to flirt with double digit victories. The Pirates are coming off back to back losses in the quarterfinal round and they are hungry to punch through and make it to the semifinals and even further. It's been a little over two decades (2003) since Putnam City made it to the semifinal round. It's been even longer since they played for the state championship. The Pirates won three championships from 1974-1977 and haven't been back to the state title game since ‘77. This Putnam City team has the talent to make a run to the state title game in 2025. They are definitely in the more competitive district in Class 6A-2 so they will have to earn it. But this season could definitely be a memorable one for the Pirates.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>LAST FIVE SEASONS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2024 - 7-5 - Lost In Class 6A-2 Quarterfinals<br>2023 - 5-7 - Lost In Class 6A-2 Quarterfinals<br>2022 - 4-7 - Lost In Class 6A-2 1st Round<br>2021 - 2-7 - Missed Playoffs<br>2020 - 4-6 - Lost In Class 6A-1 1st Round</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>3 State Championships</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1977 - Beat Putnam City West 21-14<br>1975 - Beat Booker T Washington 24-20<br>1974 - Beat John Marshall 21-17</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->