Unlocking the archive: Adena captured its first Scioto Valley Conference title in 1971

Chillicothe Gazette

Before the 1971 season started, Adena coach Ken Putnam said he had at least three boys who he thought were "All-State."

While he didn't say which of the boys, he was bringing back 13 lettermen from the previous season.

Game plan - Adena coach Ken Putnam gives his co-captains his game plan to be used this year. The Warrior captains were lettermen Mike Francis (5), a tackle and Tom Sowers (62), a gaurd.
Game plan - Adena coach Ken Putnam gives his co-captains his game plan to be used this year. The Warrior captains were lettermen Mike Francis (5), a tackle and Tom Sowers (62), a gaurd.

Putnam was developing a "wishbone" defense for the 1971 Warriors. There was experience and weight on the defensive line, which averaged 200 pounds including two-year letterman guard Tom Sowers at 209. Mike Francis, another two-year letterman, was a 6-3, 192-pound tackle.

Dan Ater was key to the offense. Putnam said that Ater was not as fast as others in the Scioto Valley Conference, but described him as "trickier."

After leading Adena to a 9-1 record, Putnam was named Scioto Valley Conference Coach of the Year. Adena went undefeated in conference play and won its first SVC title. Their only loss was to Madison Plains in the season opener.

They clinched the title in a dominating 84-8 win over Westfall to finish the season. Roger Ragland scored three touchdowns, on runs for 49 and 31 yards and a 42-yard pass from David Gibson. Dwight Pettiford scored on runs of 43 and 21 yards, while Larry Hitchens tallied a 14-yard run and Greg Cottrill scored on a 27-yard run. Hitches also caught a 28-yard pass from Dan Ater.

It was Putnam's fourth year as head coach at Adena, and the school's fourth year in the SVC. Prior to 1968, Adena was a member of the Ohio State League.

Adena's Carl Hamman, Tom Sowers, Dwight Pettiford and Roger Ragland were all-league on offense, while Bob Bumen, Terry Logan, Mark Ater and Chris Brown were all-league on defense. Dan Ater, Larry Hitches, Kelly Bennett, Mike Francis and Forrest Ragland were honorable mentions that season.

Be on the lookout for another football team from the past later this week.

If you missed any of our previous ones on - Southeastern, Waverly, Unioto, Paint Valley and Huntington - find them by searching archive at ChillicotheGazette.com

This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Unlocking the archive: Adena captured its first SVC title in 1971

Advertisement