West Metro spring football roundup: Putnam City

Last year ended with frustration for the Putnam City Pirates. With expectations of a postseason bid, the Pirates fell short, and were stuck at home on Week 11.

That frustration was a good motivator for some of the younger players who are stepping into leadership roles this spring and summer.

Last year’s defense was loaded with senior talent, and those will be some tough guys to replace, but coach John Wofford is pleased heading into his second year.

“We got some good work at the Yukon team camp (on Tuesday and Wednesday),” the coach said. “We have some good defensive linemen and linebackers to replace, but we have some young kids that are stepping in and playing hard.”

Deondre Gray, Taye Smith and Caleb McFarland had good spring efforts in the box on defense and should be able to fill some of the vacancies.

The offensive line also has some gaps to fill, with four of the five starters graduating from last year’s team. But despite having some new faces up front, Wofford thinks they might be a little bigger than last year’s group.

“We had a good spring in the weight room,” he said. “We’re young and inexperienced, but we’re thicker.”