Welcome to Pirate Stadium, where 10,000 fans will pack in for the “Battle of the Expressway” as Putnam City Pirates will host their longtime rival the Putnam City North Panthers. First played in 1978, this fierce district rivalry has been a staple of Oklahoma high school football for decades and will be featured as one of over 100 games in the 23rd season of the Great American Rivalry Series. 

Since 2004, the two have met 23 times, with Putnam City holding a 15–8 edge, including a dominating 56–14 victory in last year’s matchup. Putnam City enters riding a five-game winning streak, while North previously won three straight before the current run. Both programs boast rich traditions and notable alumni — Sam Bradford, the 2008 Heisman Trophy winner, played his high school ball at North, while NFL Hall of Famer Steve Largent (Seahawks) starred at City. 

Set for September 11th, this clash is more than just a football game — it signals pride and history in Oklahoma City. Will the Pirates make it six in a row or can the Panthers end the streak and start their own? 

We Know Friday Nights. 

MVP

Kahmi Herrera #0
Putnam City

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Keandre Huffman

Putnam City

Keandre has been a model student athlete. As a student he has maintained a B average, and has been involved in various clubs, & activities. From Student Leaders, Leadership Council, National Honor Society, & Special Olympics Volunteer, he has been an active role model in his school community. As an athlete he has letter in 3 sports for the past 3 years, Football, Powerlifting, & Track. He serves as a Team Captain, and more so, he is a model for others to look upon, an strive to mimic. Keandre plans to attend college on an athletic scholarship, and pursue his dream of earning a Bachelor's Degree, afterwards he will pursue a Master’s Degree.
Stephen Brown

Putnam City North

Stephen is a three-year varsity letterman in both football and track who consistently demonstrates the character, work ethic, and discipline that set him apart as a student-athlete. He is a high-character young man who works hard and takes great pride in balancing his academic responsibilities with the demands of athletics. Stephen is dependable, dedicated, and accountable in everything he does. He approaches his studies with the same discipline and determination that he brings to his athletic commitments, while always understanding the importance of being a reliable teammate. His leadership is evident not only in his performance, but also in the example he sets for those around him. Stephen’s commitment to excellence, strong character, and consistent work ethic make him a valued member of his teams and school community.

GAME SUMMARY

The Putnam City Pirates and the Putnam City North Panthers put on a show under the lights of Pirate Stadium in this year’s matchup, which was featured as one of over 100 games in the 2026 Great American Rivalry Series. The game got off to a slow start with Putnam City being forced to a field goal try that was tipped by the Panthers and unsuccessful. The Panthers then started a strong drive before being stopped on a big third down and forced to punt. After back-to-back turnovers in the first two drives of the game, the dog fight began. Putnam City struck first blood with a long drive and a rushing touchdown in the redzone. The Panthers answered right back to tie it up. The Panthers and the Pirates traded touchdowns again to make it a 14-14 game with under a minute left in the half. There might not have been much time left on the clock, but Putnam City head football coach, Coach Alexander, was not taking his Pirates to the locker-room without the lead. The Pirates drove down and scored on a gutsy touchdown to pass to take the 21-14 lead going into halftime. The Panthers received the kickoff to start the second half and came out of the locker-room swinging. The Panthers scored to tie it up 21-21 and the back-and-forth narrative continued. After the Panthers and Pirates traded scores once more, the Pirates were left with one more drive and a chance to end it in regulation. The Panthers came up with a big third down stop on the pirates 35-yard line to force the Pirates punt. Coach Alexander and his coaching staff drew up a perfectly executed fake punt pass that was completed for a first down. In a crazy turn of events, a late flag was thrown to call the play back and reset 4th down, forcing the Pirates to inevitably punt it away. The Panthers elected to take the ball first in overtime and scored quickly to make it a 34-28 ball game. The PAT was tipped and wide left, leaving an opening for the Pirates to seal the deal with a touchdown and a PAT. The Pirates made quick work of tying the game with a rushing touchdown, but it all came down to the kick. The Putnam City sideline and fans went dead silent before erupting at the sight of the ball sailing between the uprights, securing the Pirates’ 35-34 overtime victory.