Cougars Roll Over Heritage
Facing a must-win situation, the Piedmont Academy football team came through with an impressive performance in a 41-7 victory against Heritage last Friday.
The Cougars moved one step closer to the playoffs with a strong offensive performance which featured the return of running back Christopher Hornibrook. Piedmont will still need a victory this week on the road against Monroe Academy to secure a berth in the state playoffs.
“The kids knew what was on the line last Friday,” said Cougar head coach Beau Johnson. “We came out strong and played well. The fans were great and we are proud of how the seniors played in their last home game.”
Piedmont took control of the contest early and was in command 34-0 at halftime.
“Heritage is improved but they lacked the speed to compete with us,” Johnson said. The win upped the Cougars to 6-4 overall and 2-1 in region play.
Justin Atkins led the team with 78 yards rushing on 10 carries with a touchdown.
Hornibrook added 44 yards on 11 attempts with two scores. Ryan Dinardo finished with 28 yards on five carries and also had reception for 30 yards.
Kale Blackshear added a 70-yard punt return and continues to be one of the top special teams players in the area.
Josh Stevenson added a 25-yard touchdown reception.
Quarterback D..J. Allen was 2-for-3 for 55 yards with two scores.
“I want to credit our seniors for their leadership this season,” Johnson said. “They have been a great group through the good and bad. I was really worried after our tough loss to Holy Spirit but our kids are fighters.”
Johnson also said he wanted to thank his assistant coaches for their hard work and dedication in 2007.
“Bubba Nelson is an awesome person to have on my coaching staff,” he said. “Coach Wes Tanner has done a great job helping with the defense. Leland Ready may be young, but he is mature way beyond his years. They are all good assistants and I respect each one of them. I am very hard to work for at times and appreciate their time and patience.”
The Cougars are preparing this week for the Monroe Academy Mustangs. Monroe will run a six-man front and will primarily run the football offensively, Johnson said, using a wing formation.
“They have also had several injuries,” the Piedmont coach said. In their previous two region games, Monroe Academy beat Mt. Vernon 16-14 in overtime and lost to Heritage 37-28.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. in Forsyth.
NOTE: In last week’s football report, it was stated the Piedmont-Holy Spirit game was played at Life University in Atlanta.
The game was actually played at Pleasantdale Park in Doraville.
STATS vs. Heritage
First Downs
Piedmont 9
Heritage 6
Passing Yards
Piedmont 55
Heritage 0
Rushing Yards
Piedmont 172 on 30 carries
Heritage 139 on 28 carries
Individual
•D.J. Allen, 2-for-3 passing, 55 yards, two touchdowns
•Justin Atkins, 10 carries for 78 yards, one touchdown
•Christopher Hornibrook, 11 carries for 44 yards, two touchdowns
•Ryan Dinardo, five carries for 28 yards, one catch for 30 yards, one touchdown
•Kale Blackshear, 70-yard punt return
•Josh Stevenson, one catch for 25 yards, one touchdown