LINDEN – North Montgomery used a dominating defense and sufficient offense to defeat North Putnam 30-0. The Chargers took the lead early and never looked back in the season opening game played on the new natural turf at Charger Field.
North Montgomery coach Josh Thompson was all smiles after the game. He complimented both his offense and defense.
“I am thrilled for our defense to get the shutout,” Thompson said. “We have some quick and aggressive kids and tonight they played well.”
“I am also happy for our offense,” Thompson added. “We got off to a better start then we did last week against McCutcheon and the kids corrected their mistakes and listened to us this week.”
North Montgomery (1-0) took the opening kickoff and marched 77 yards in eight plays. Senior Gabe Laws hauled in three passes in the drive including a 20-yard scoring strike from senior quarterback Donavan Haworth.
It did not take long for the Chargers to score again. North Putnam (0-1) fumbled the ball back to the home team on their first play on the Cougar 25-yard marker. This time it was senior Ethan Gayler who scored on an 8-yard pass from Haworth.
The Chargers went up 18-0 with 1:25 left in the first half when Haworth found Laws again for a 15-yard touchdown pass.
North Montgomery rolled up 180 yards in the opening half and held North Putnam to a -16 yards total.
The second half started with a bang after the Chargers kicked off to the Cougars who started their drive on the 25-yard line. North Putnam quarterback Gunner Burress tried to throw a pass out to the flat and Gayler was able to step in front of the receiver and promptly returned the ball 25 yards for a pick-six.
North Montgomery sophomore Ross Dyson added a 3-yard run with 8:47 to go in the game. Dyson led the Chargers in rushing with 14 rushes and 49 yards.
The Cougars never did not get closer than the Charger 29 yard line. The Cougars lost two fumbles and threw two interceptions to augment their offensive struggles.
The Chargers outgained the Cougars in total yards 260-27.
North Montgomery will travel to Hamilton Heights next Friday. Thompson said his team has plenty to work on to get ready for their first road trip.
“We have to focus on what we can control”, Thompson said. “We have plenty to work on after tonight to get ready for Hamilton Heights.”
