If Southmoore is going to accomplish its goal of winning a state championship, it won't be taking the easy route. After facing three top-10 teams in their first four games, the SaberCats get Putnam City North at 7:30 p.m. tonight at Moore Stadium.

Though the Panthers are not ranked, but their 3-1 record can't be overlooked by the No. 4 SaberCats (4-0). Their only loss came last week to No. 5 Norman North.

Southmoore coach Chris Jensen still knows how dangerous PCN can be, especially with the ball. The Panthers will run the rock out of any formation and anywhere on the field.

That means the Cats' Ryland Widener, George Mallett and Andrew Long will need to have an impact on the defensive side of the ball to slow down the Panthers.

"They do what they have done forever," Jensen said. "They believe in what they do. Defensively we need to be sound and trust our keys."

Southmoore must do what it's been doing all season long.

"We have made a lot of progress from week one," Jensen said. "We put together our best effort the other night. The good thing is that it's not as good as we can be."

Kendal Thompson had another huge game. The SaberCat quarterback completed 15-of-20 passes for 294 yards and four touchdowns. He carried eight times for 49 yards and another score. The junior has 976 yards and 11 touchdowns against two interceptions on 60-of-88 passing.

Thompson is spreading the wealth. The Cats have three players with 12 receptions and more than 200 yards receiving in Derek Serowski, Nyko Symonds and tailback Andrew Long. Tight end Austin Haywood has nine catches for 114 yards.

But Southmoore will have to go the rest of the season without one of its biggest weapons in the backfield. Senior Kyaunn Thompson tore an ACL last week in practice. It was an ACL tear that ended last season for him, too.

"Kyaunn is really disappointed," Jensen said. "It's a tough thing for him."

After playing on the road in three of their first four games, Southmoore returns to Moore Stadium this week. The District 6A-1 contest with PCN is also homecoming for the second-year program.

Of their six remaining games five of them will take place in the friendly confines of Moore Stadium. Not a bad place to play in a tough district.

"You have to be ready to play every game," Jensen said. "We put ourselves in position to get everybody's best game."

Michael Kinney 366-3537 mkinney@normantranscript.com