Cougars Rush by John Hancock

It was another game and another big offensive performance for the Piedmont Academy football team last Friday.

The Cougars improved to 2-1 for 2006 by defeating John Hancock 35-6. Piedmont, who is undefeated at home this fall, rolled up 441 yards of total offense in sending John Hancock back to Sparta with a convincing loss.

The big performance of the night was turned in by Lance Richardson who rushed for 221 yards on 21 attempts with all five of his team’s touchdowns. Richardson also caught three passes for 56 yards.

While the offensive numbers were certainly impressive, Cougar head coach Danny Camp bragged just as much on his defense in last week’s win.

“Defensively, it was a great game,” the coach said. “John Hancock didn’t score until their last series. We did a good job defensively when it came to carrying out our responsibilities.”

John Hancock ran a wishbone offense, but Camp credited his defensive staff with developing a solid strategy to hold the Rebels in check.
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“We continue to do a good job offensively, but it was good to see the strong defensive effort as well,” Camp said. “Our defense kept us from being in a shootout. We had two or three players on their big fullback all night. Their longest play of the night was 12 yards and that came on their first offensive snap.”

D.J. Allen led the Piedmont defense with nine tackles. Whit Morgan finished with five tackles while Andrew Stevenson and Randy Reagin had four each. Zac Hauther and Wyley Deleza had quarterback sacks with Luke Harvey and Christopher Hornibrook recovering fumbles.

As a team, the Cougars had seven tackles for negative yardage.
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On the other side of the football, it was a productive outing for the third time in as many games for Camp’s team. In addition to Richardson’s huge, career night performance, Hornibrook added 59 yards on 11 attempts with Justin Atkins rushing the football 14 times for 42 yards. Atkins also had two catches for 42 yards.

Hauther was also effective through the air completing 5-of-6 attempts for 98 yards. Camp said his team started somewhat slowly on offense, but eventually got in gear and built a 35-0 lead at one point.

The offensive line, consisting of Ben Cleary, Jake Landress, Charlie Needham, Reagin, Stevenson, Morgan and Joey Schroeder, have helped the Cougars score 118 points in three games this season.

Camp is hoping he will have some added depth on the line in coming weeks. Clint Fields has primarily been playing on the defensive front after an injury several weeks ago but could eventually be on the offensive side of the football if needed. Nick Rebuelta, who was thought to have been lost for the season, could actually return, Camp said.

Another player who is set to return to practice is Gree Roberts.

“We are as healthy as we’ve been in a while,” Camp said.

Piedmont is expecting a tough foe this Friday as the Cougars travel to Eatonton for a matchup with rival Gatewood at 7:30 p.m.

“Gatewood is a very good team,” Camp said. “They are very good at what they do. This is always a big game for both clubs. There is always a lot at stake in this game.”

The two schools, located only half an hour apart, have long been rivals because of the closeness in location. The teams are not in the same region, but Camp said players and fans look forward to the game each time it is played.

Gatewood is coached by Charles Winslette, one of the top coaches in the state having won multiple state championships including titles at West Rome and Greene-Taliaferro.

“It’s one of those big pride games,” the coach said. “It’s all about bragging rights. It’s something the players on the field look forward to as well as the fathers and alumni in the stands. It’s a natural rivalry.”

Camp said it will also be beneficial to see how his team stacks up against a foe from Region 1-AA.
“You want to keep improving every week,” the coach said. “I was very proud of our effort last week. We will look to have a good week of practice and keep it going this Friday.”

The Piedmont junior varsity football team is also scheduled to host Monroe Academy today at 6 p.m. It will be the first contest of the season for the JV Cougars.

STATS
JH 0 0 0 6 — 6
P 14 7 14 0 — 35

Rushing:
Lance Richardson, 21 carries for 221 yards, 5 TDs
Christopher Hornibrook, 11 for 59
Justin Atkins, 14 for 42
Passing:
Zac Hauther, 5-of-6, 98 yards
Receiving:
Lance Richardson, 3 for 56 yards
Justin Atkins, 2 for 42 yards
Defense:
D.J. Allen, 9 tackles
Whit Morgan, 5 tackles
Andrew Stevenson, 4 tackles
Randy Reagin, 4 tackles (1 for loss)
Christopher Hornibrook, fumble recovery
Luke Harvey, fumble recovery
Zac Hauther, sack
Wyley Deleza, sack
Team: seven tackles for loss
Record:
Piedmont, 2-1 overall (0-0 in Region 4-AA)