Cougars Continue Work for New Season

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind for new Piedmont Academy football coach Rhett Farmer.

Since taking over the Cougar program, the former Tattnall Square assistant has been busy breaking down film of past Piedmont games, conducting spring practice, holding summer workouts and making preparations for fall practice and the start of the upcoming season.

Sometimes, there just doesn’t seem to be enough time in the day for the new head coach.

“I thought our spring practice went really well,” Farmer said.

“It was not your typical spring practice since it was in June. We had to contend with some very hot weather. It was very intense with the heat.”

While the players worked in shoulder pads and shorts for two weeks, Farmer said the team did “accomplish a lot.”

The players are now taking part in the summer weight program during the week. In addition, backs and receivers are working Mondays and Wednesdays with linemen holding informal workouts Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“We are steadily getting our system in,” the new coach said.
Farmer said he is concentrating on one day at a time as the players become adjusted to the new schemes.

“We do have the makings of being a good team,” he said. “Could we have a great season? Sure. The possibility is there. However, no one will give us anything.”

The Piedmont players are not preparing for any particular opponents at this point. The Cougars will host a scrimmage on Friday, Aug. 14 against Monroe Academy. Farmer said it will be used as a combined workout.

“That will give us a gauge of where we are,” he said.
The first day of practice is set for July 27 at noon in shorts and shoulder pads. Pictures will be taken at 2:30 p.m. that day.

“Right now is a big time for us as we try to stay in shape,” Farmer said.

Piedmont opens the 2009 campaign Friday, Aug. 28 at long-time rival Gatewood.