Cougars Are Now 6-0

A solid performance on both sides of the football helped the Piedmont Academy football team defeat Central Fellowship 46-6 last Friday and remain perfect for 2010.

The Cougars are now 6-0 overall and 2-0 in Region 1-AA with another big region match up this Friday at Edmund Burke.

“I was very pleased with how our defense stepped up,” said Piedmont coach Rhett Farmer. “Our secondary played well overall and our run defense was strong. It was great to see what we did on the defensive side of the football. We faced some adversity and responded.”

Rhett Roberts, the defensive player of the game, had a huge night with seven solo stops, including three for negative yards, and two assists. Sam Cleary had two interceptions. Peter Lawson added three solo tackles (two for a loss) and four assists.

The offense continued to do its usual damage. Lawson had 92 yards and two scores while Blake Hammock returned in fine fashion with 147 yards and a score on nine attempts.

“It was a big night for our offense,” Farmer said. “We also had a punt return and a kickoff return which gave us good field position. We put the football on the ground a couple of times so we aren’t pleased with that.”
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Going into the game, Farmer knew Central Fellowship had the capability of giving Piedmont trouble.

Piedmont remains No. 1 in the GISA Class AA poll this week followed by Arlington, Flint River, Southwest Georgia and Brentwood.
“Our confidence is high but our players understand we are about to reach the toughest part of our schedule,” Farmer said. “We can’t complain about being 6-0 but we have four very good opponents in a row with an open week mixed in.”

Through six games, Farmer’s team has outscored opponents 291-107. Piedmont has scored at least 40 points in five of its game and at least 50 in three contests.

On two occasions, the Cougars have soared past the 60-point margin. Up next for Piedmont is Edmund Burke on the road this Friday in Waynesboro at 7:30 p.m.

“This is a big region game,” Farmer said. “From what we’ve seen on film, they remain me of us in some ways. They are going to use multiple offensive sets including the wishbone, I-formation, spread and two tights. They are looking to get four yards a pop. They will be the best team—by far—that we’ve played all year.”

The Spartans’ lone loss came to Class AAA Westfield, a 17-8 contest. Edmund Burke has defeated Briarwood, Thomas Jefferson and Central Fellowship. The Spartans are coming off a bye week. Defensively, Farmer said this week’s opponent will use a six-man front and some 50 formations.

“They will move around and even get in a 4-3 or 4-4,” the Piedmont coach said.

“It will be a challenge for us to take a long road trip and stay focused,” Farmer said. “We realize what is facing us. This is the toughest stretch of our schedule. What we’ve done to this point has been great, but things are about to get tougher.”

Stats vs Central Fellowship

Offensive
•Peter Lawson: 4 carries for 92 yards and 2 TDs, 30-yard kick return; •Alex Hall: 5 carries for 16 yards and 1 TD, 2-of-6 passing for 51 yards, •Blake Hammock: 9 carries for 147 yards and 1 TD, •Nick Dimsdale: 3 carries for 12 yards, •Dylan Collins: 4 carries for 26 yards and 1 TD, 2 receptions for 51 yards, 26 yard kick return, •Dakota Collins: 9 carries for 61 yards and 1 TD, •Sam Cleary: 4-of-6 on PATs, •Zach Benjamin: 7-yard punt return, 46-yard punt return

Defensive
•Peter Lawson: 3 solos, 4 assists, •Malik Reid: 1 assist, •Alex Hall: 2 assists, •Nick Dimsdale: 1 assist, 1 solo, •Zach Benjamin: 2 assists, •Dylan Collins: 3 solos and 3 assists, •Rhett Roberts: 7 solos and 2 assists, •Sam Cleary: 2 interceptions and 3 assists, •Tyler Cullum: 1 solo and 1 assist, •Michael Berg: 1 interception, •Dakota Collins: 3 solos and 5 assists, •Jakey Dunagan: ½ sack, 1 solo and 1 assist, Austin Corley: 1 assist, •Seth Harvey: ½ sack, 3 solos and 1 assist, •Glade Tuggle: 1 assist

Players of the Game
•Blake Hammock, offense, •Rhett Roberts, defense, •Daniel Leinweber and Seth Harvey, linemen