North Putnam ready to clash with Western Boone

With the regular season in the rearview mirror, North Putnam head football coach Scott Moore has a single goal for his team -- to be playing into November. 

"Our goal was to play in November. If you are playing in November, you've won tournament games and are setting yourself up for where anything can happen," Moore told The Putnam County Post.

The road to playing into November begins tonight for the Cougars in the Class 2A 34 when North Putnam (7-2) hosts Western Boone (7-2). The game is the GIANT fm WREB Game of the Week with pregame coverage starting at 6:40 p.m. and kickoff slated for 7 p.m. 

At 7-2, North Putnam captured the Western Indiana Conference Green Division this season and had some great accomplishments.  

"Looking back on the season, we started things off exactly as we talked about all summer and that progressed into the midway part of the season where we ran into a tough Cascade team and we were able to bounce back. Overall, I am very proud of our guys, how we have come together and grown as a team. Hopefully we can use the good times, learn from the bad times and put ourselves in a good position come game time," Moore said. 

Last week, North Putnam fell to Greencastle, 49-28. Despite the loss, Moore said his team has put it behind them and moved on. 

"Greencastle was the better team that night and they are doing some good things here at the end of the year. We knew they came out and smacked us in the mouth and didn't respond well. We watched film and learned from it. We didn't play at our best. We have not had a letdown and it's been a great week of practice. The kids are hungry," Moore said. 

One player that is "hungry" is North Putnam junior quarterback Christian Kramer, who is among the state's best in total yards this season. 

"Going back to his freshman year being a young kid and thrown into the spotlight, he's done a good job. He's always had really good poise about him. He's been able to make big plays in big moments. Last year saw a big step and this year another big step with his understanding of what we are doing offensively and what his role is. I am proud of how he has led us and he has been able to facilitate and make big plays," Moore said. 

As for Western Boone, Moore says the Stars are a "good team."

"If we play our best ball, communicate and get after it, we can be in a position to win a football game. They are a well oiled machine. These kids have been running the offense since they were little guys. Coach Pelley has a great program in place and they keep producing good football teams. Solid offensive and defensive lines. We know what's at task, but we think we have some good football players and can compete with them," Moore said.

As for what it takes to pick up a win, Moore said it is simple. 

"We have to control the line of scrimmage on both sides. Big point of emphasis. We have gotten stronger. Running the football allows us to get into the passing game, control the football and limit silly mistakes, and play good assignment football. They have no problem hammering it down for four or five yards a pop. If we can do that, stay consistent, limit big plays and take advantage when we have opportunities, we can be in position to win a football game. Tournament time is a whole different animal," Moore said. .