Cougars Continue Spring Practice

The Rhett Farmer era officially began for Piedmont Academy football last week.

The new head coach began a two-week spring practice session which continues through the end of this week. While the team is not working in full gear since drills are taking part in June, the first-year Cougar head coach likes what has been accomplished.

“We have made some important strides in week one,” Farmer said. “We don’t want to put too much on them at this point. We are done putting in what we will (scheme-wise) in the spring.”

The overall football knowledge of the players has been a plus, Farmer said.
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“It’s not like we are coaching a bunch of freshmen,” the coach said. “We are where we wanted to be and even a little above. We are a little more along than I thought we would be at this point.”

A veteran group of offensive linemen return for Piedmont along with a veteran in the backfield.

“We have some good looking players on the field,” Farmer said. “We are sawing wood. We are trying to get there.”

The coaching staff has been working on installing basic sets. Practices have been intense, even without full gear, due to the heat, Farmer said. Players have been working two solid hours.

“The kids have responded,” Farmer said. “They have shown a good work ethic. From a technique standout, I am very pleased.”

Assistants Johnny Stallings, Wes Tanner, Bubba Nelson, Keith Mason and Joel Sauls have helped Farmer during the transition period. Having a solid group of assistants to work with have helped make spring practice easier, the new head coach said.

“I’m not someone who is going to micromanage,” Farmer said. “I let my coaches coach. It helps to have several coaches to break everything down.”

Practice sessions will continue for the remainder of the week from 4-6 p.m.