Cougars Look to 2004 Season

The 2003 season has not been over long, but thoughts are already turning toward next fall for the Piedmont Academy football team.

Returning players will begin offseason work within a few weeks, according to coach Charlie Lane. Players who are not involved in winter sports will begin weight training soon in preparation for 2004.
{{more}}
Looking back at this season, Lane said the campaign began with high hopes. Those hopes were dashed due to injuries, which became almost as big a nemesis for the Piedmont players as opposing teams.

“Even when we had some injuries, we felt we could still win,” Lane said. “We did that against Curtis Baptist. However, injuries really took their toll eventually. We had guys miss a lot of practice and that hurts your preparation for the games.”

Numerous Cougars were injured and had to battle illness during the 2003 season. “Of course, other teams had to go through the same thing, but it really seemed to get us,” Lane said.

“I guess it happens that way sometimes. In the past few years we have been able to win some games that we probably should not have won. Likewise, this year we lost some games that in reality we probably should have won.”

Piedmont will compete in a revamped region next fall. The Cougars will remain in Region 4-AA for football along with Flint River and Monroe Academy. Pinecrest, a new school located in Forsyth County, will also join the region. Gatewood will move out of the region while Fullington and Twiggs will compete exclusively in Class A.

Lane will have to replace six seniors including Jeremy Reese, Daniel Beckham, Taylor Marsh, Josh Daniel, Keith Pulliam and Frank Christian.
“Those six guys were a huge part of our program,” Lane said. “It is going to be very tough replacing what they have meant to us.”

The entire offensive backfield consisting of Reese, Beckham and Marsh will graduate. Daniel was the team’s top receiver while Christian anchored the offensive line. Pulliam has been a mainstay on defense for several seasons.

“We’ll have to look to our younger guys to step up and work hard in the offseason to be ready to play,” said Lane.

“We can still have a good team next year if we can keep our numbers up.”
Lane said he believes several players including Matt Allen and Neil Gilbert have solid potential for 2004.

Piedmont Academy will host its annual varsity football awards banquet for the 2003 season December 1.