Cougars Lose Heartbreaker
The Piedmont Academy football team saw what appeared to be a sure win turn into a disappointing loss Friday night at Cougar Field.
Leading 15-0 after the third quarter, the Cougars saw visiting Fullington rally for 16 points in the final four minutes to earn a 16-15 upset and take control of the race for the region title.
The Trojans would now have to lose twice for Piedmont to have a chance at winning a third consecutive region championship.
{{more}}
The Cougars were hampered by injuries last week as All-State running back Daniel Beckham had to leave the game with a hip flexer.
Fellow All-State performer Jeremy Reese also suffered a shoulder injury and had to leave the game in the third quarter, leaving big vacancies on both sides of the football for coach Charlie Lane’s team.
“Even with that, we still should have won,” Lane said. “When you look back at all the scenarios that had to happen in order for Fullington to win, you wonder whether it was meant to be.
“You have to give Fullington credit, however, because they never gave up even when it appeared they didn’t have a chance.”
Piedmont scored its first touchdown on a two-yard pass from Taylor Marsh to Daniel Beckham. The two then hooked up for the two-point conversion, giving the Cougars an 8-0 lead.
Lane’s team then moved in front 15-0 after a 5-yard pass from Marsh to Matt Allen. Piedmont kicked the extra point this time and held a 15-point cushion, a lead that would hold up until late in the fourth quarter.
Reese still finished the game as the top rusher with 68 yards on 14 carries. Beckham finished with 47 yards on 13 carries before his injury. Marsh passed for 77 yards, including 40 to Allen.
Once Fullington moved to within 15-8, Piedmont was unable to move the football and run out the remaining time. The Cougars had a good punt that was downed at the Trojan 2-yard line.
Fullington was able to march the length of the field, however, and score a touchdown that tied the game with less than a minute to play. A successful two-point conversion gave the Trojans a 1-point victory.
“We had people playing out of position,” Lane said. “We had to move several people around because of the injuries and that plays a factor. Losing Jeremy and Daniel hurt us both physically and mentally.”
The Piedmont defense played well overall. In the first half Fullington was only able to gain 30 yards of total offense. Keith Pulliam continued his solid season defensively with 12 tackles while Rob Wynens added eight.
The loss was one of the most disappointing in several years for the Cougars.
“It was tough on the players after the game and during the weekend,” Lane said. “However, we have to move on.”
While winning the region championship is likely out of reach, Piedmont can actually still enter the state playoffs as a No. 1 seed.
Due to an unusual setup by the GISA, Fullington—which is a member of Piedmont’s region—will actually compete in the Class A playoffs.
Therefore, if Piedmont finishes second, it would be a No. 1 seed in the AA state playoffs.
“We still have a lot to play for,” Lane said. “The season is not over by any means. We have to be ready to go on the road and play a good Flint River team this Friday.”
It appears Reese will be unable to play this week while Beckham is probable. If neither are able to play Piedmont will use Allen and Daniel in the backfield.
“We had this situation against Curtis Baptist and were able to win,” Lane said. “We have to approach this game the same way.”
Kickoff at Flint River in Woodbury Friday is set for 7:30 p.m.