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» Your hometown newspaper since 1861 The Eatonton Alessenger THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2025 | B3 War Eagles ready to take on Rebels Lance McCurley lance@msgrnews.com Following the season- opening win over Greene County, Putnam County is now looking to break a two-game losing streak. Morgan County and Laney dominated the War Eagles the last two weeks, and this Friday’s matchup won’t be any easier. They will face undefeated Haralson County on the T. MICHAEL STONE/Staff Laney's Matthew White fights his way past Putnam defenders as he marches his way into the end zone. road, and the Rebels are rolling at this point in the season. Haralson County is 3-0 for the first time since 2020 after defeating Mount Pisgah Christian (48-14), Pike County (28-0), and Greene County (41-7), which Putnam County defeated 42-15 in week one. Haralson County head coach Randy Crutchfield has turned the program around after a dismal 1-9 finish last season. So, the Rebels have the full attention of the War Eagles and head coach Joel Harvin. “They are much improved compared to where they were last season at this time,” Harvin acknowledged. “Their coach has done a really good job of devel oping a solid program, a system that those kids can operate. And they execute it very well. And they run the ball hard. I think that what we need to be is very similar.” Haralson County is a run-first team but can also move the ball through the air. Quar terback Paxton Ray is a solid dual threat, along with Khemp Boyd, who runs the ball well and can catch passes downfield. Boyd accounted for three touchdowns against Greene County, catching two and rushing for one. The Rebels have aver aged 39 points per game on offense so far this season, while defensively allowing only an average of seven points per game. Meanwhile, Putnam County’s defense has given up 46 points in each of the last two games. The War Eagles have struggled to get off the field on third down this season and need to improve on that this week in order to beat Haralson County. The War Eagles have been limited on offense lately, too, scoring 30 points over the last two games. Penalties and turnovers have been a problem as well. Harvin knows those mistakes need to be corrected and is confident his team can correct those errors this week. “Whenever you lose, like we have in the last two weeks, and turn the ball over, just let the team you’re close with do that, and instead of going all the way back to the drawing board, take a hard look at yourself in the mirror,” Harvin stated. “See what you’re good at and base your efforts on that. We have guys who play both ways and never come off the field. We’re working to develop some of the younger players who can spell these guys and give them a break on certain plays. This way, we can stay fresh for the fourth quarter.” Last season, Putnam County beat Haralson County 28-3 in Eatonton. However, this year the Rebels are expected to get revenge and beat the War Eagles 34-22, according to On3.com’s Massey Ratings. “I think it’s gonna be another challenge for us. And we have to keep soul- searching to find what we do well and keep moving forward,” Harvin said. EATONTON HEALTHREHABILITATION EAGLES CONTINUED FROM » B1 ourselves a bit and lacked confidence in what we normally do on offense,” Harvin said. “So, all those factors combined, it just wasn’t a good showing. And yes, we are a running team. We’re going to go back to the basics and focus on what we truly are, not trying to be something we’re not.” Harvin was also visibly frustrated with his defen sive unit, which couldn’t seem to get off the field on fourth down. Mistakes allowed Laney to sustain drives that should have died, with the Wildcats scoring two touchdowns after the War Eagles let them convert a pair of fourth downs. “We didn’t really do anything to help ourselves offensively. I thought defensively we did a pretty good job,” Harvin explained. “We just didn’t get off the field on 3rd and 10, and there were a couple of fourth-down plays that they were able to capitalize on a pass interference call or a penalty that was thrown for a face mask, which we didn’t do. There was nobody who grabbed the face mask. We went back and watched the film. “So, two big fourth- down plays ended up in two touchdowns on defense that we just GAME CONTINUED FROM » B1 splendor of blooms brought about by the tender loving care of his wife Joan. Then in the fall, autumnal colors envelop his homestead with a view so enrapturing that Henry David Thoreau would be as inspired as he was at Walden’s Pond — particu larly if after joining Gary for a glass of the best Bordeaux. These are but two examples of the vast T. MICHAEL STONE/Staff Putnam County senior quarterback Ethan Whatley escapes the pocket and tries to pick up a first down with his feet. couldn’t get off the field. And then, offensively, not taking care of the football and it just wasn’t a good showing for us.” Harvin knows what it looks like to be in Laney’s place. Putnam County capitalized on Greene County’s mistakes in the season opener, leading to a 42-15 win on Aug. 15; however, the roles have been reversed the past two weeks. The War Eagles struggled in week two against Morgan County, resulting in a 46-14 loss. “That’s what happens when you don’t take care of the ball, you get beaten reservoir of academic talent that give UGA the highest marks when others evaluate what has taken place since 1785. Of course, the exhila rating achievement that comes with a masterful performance by the home team between the ledges is the ultimate in emotional fulfillment when the marquees of the sports pages and the internet serenade the Red & Black. As another season of gridiron scrimmaging endures, let us take our hats off to the total university. Because it and by teams that you prob ably should beat,” he said. “It doesn’t matter who you’re playing. If you turn the ball over five times, it’s hard to win.” Beyond all the mistakes, Harvin thinks his team did some good things. “Ethan Watley made a few plays at quarterback, but a little bit of his inex perience showed as far as throwing the ball,” he said. “But we’ve got to try and limit him from being in those pressure situations and having to make the big plays. So, there are bright spots. He had a lot of good reads, made a its people are a treasure. So, sit back and invoke the chorus of “Going back to Athenstown:” Going back, going back to Athenstown, Going back, going back to the best old place around, Going back, going back to hear that grand old sound, Of the chapel bell and the Georgia yell, Going back to Athenstown. lot of good plays with his feet.” Whatley accounted for Putnam’s two touch- downs. He rushed for one and passed to senior Jayson Smith for another. “(Ethan) had a decent night overall. He’s got to fix his decision making on some of the plays where he could just tuck and run it, or make the right read and throw an easy pitch instead of trying to force some things,” Harvin added. “So, I’m pleased with his effort. He played hard. “He also has to go in on defense and play as well, so it’s not like most programs where your quarterback is just your quarterback. He’s having to learn both defense and offense, and also being put in some pressure situations. So, I’m really proud of his effort.” Harvin and his War Eagles visit Haralson County in Tallapoosa this Friday for a 7:30 p.m. start against the Rebels. CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS . .= at 118 W. 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