Cougars Cap Perfect Regular Season; Begin Playoffs

The Piedmont Academy football team put the finishing touches on an undefeated regular season at the expense of an old rival Friday night.

Coach Rhett Farmer’s team defeated Gatewood 55-24 to finish 10-0 with the state playoffs beginning this week. The Cougars also finished 2010 at a perfect 6-0 in Region 1-AA and enter the postseason as a No. 1 seed. The Cougars will be able to play at home in the playoffs as long as they continue winning.

While the 10th win of the season may sound like another easy victory, Farmer said it was anything but that.
“We did not play well in the first half or at times in the second half,” the coach said. “Gatewood brought a lot of intensity to the game. We challenged our kids at halftime like we haven’t done all year.”

In the end, the Cougars were able to pull away although Farmer credits the Gators for their effort.

“The final score doesn’t show how well Gatewood played,” the Piedmont coach said. “We had a couple of interception returns for scores which helped seal the win. However, Gatewood really got after us.”

Blake Hammock rushed for 140 yards on 18 carries with two touchdowns. Dakota Collins added 114 yards on eight attempts and also had a pass reception for 26 yards. Peter Lawson added 62 yards and a score as Farmer is trying to spread the wealth offensively to keep teams from keying on Hammock.

Defensively, Zach Benjamin finished with seven solo tackles, three assists and a pass break up. Dylan Collins had a 36-yard interception for a score in addition to three solo tackles, two sacks and help on a quarterback sack. Nick Dimsdale also returned an interception 27 yards for a score.
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Lawson was a force on defense as well with five solo stops and four assists. Sam Cleary finished with four solo tackles and three pass break ups.

The 2010 undefeated season is the seventh in program history for Piedmont. The school was also undefeated in 1973, 1981, 1982, 1987 and 1988.

Farmer said several factors go into teams making through a regular season with a spotless record.

“We have had good team chemistry,” the coach said. “This group works well together. We also have good players. Teams who do this also need a little luck along the way. You need to stay injury free and we’ve done that for the most part although we have been banged up. Our seniors have bought into what we are doing and we have fun. There’s never a dull moment with this team.”

Having a “team first” attitude is also key, he said.
“We have several players who are offensive weapons, but they don’t care who gets the glory,” Farmer said.

The second-year Piedmont head coach came from the most storied GISA program in Tattnall Square. He has implemented many of the same schemes and techniques used by Trojan head coach Barney Hester.

“We do follow some of Tattnall’s routines,” Farmer said. “We have also added in some of our own. I have tried to model our program after what I learned from him. He teaches that no one individual is above anyone else. That is the biggest thing he taught me. He also prepares for each opponent the same, whether they are 10-0 or 0-10.”
A new playoff format awaits Piedmont this fall. Eight teams will compete in a three-round state playoff. Teams were divided into two larger regions this season with the top four advancing to the postseason.

The Cougars will face Flint River this Friday at home at 7:30 p.m. While the Wildcats are 3-7, Farmer is not overlooking them or taking anything for granted.

“They are a great program and are not a typical No. 4 seed,” the coach said. “We have to be ready. They won three big region games and faced some AAA schools.”

Flint River runs a split back veer offense and some wishbone look. Defensively, the Wildcats will use a 4-4 and 5-3.

NOTES: Former coaches Johnny Stallings and Charlie Lane were honored at Friday’s game. Stallings walked out with the team and Lane flipped the coin with the team captains.

Stats vs. Gatewood

Offensive
Peter Lawson: 3 carries for 62 yards, 1 TD
Alex Hall: 7 carries for 25 yards 3 TDs, 3-of-10 passing for 68 yards
Blake Hammock – 18 carries for 140 yards, 2 TDs
Dakota Collins –8 carries for 114 yards, 1 reception for 26 yards
Sam Cleary: 7-of-8 on PATs
Zach Benjamin: 1 reception for 11 yards
Dylan Collins: 1 reception for 30 yards

Defensive
Peter Lawson: 5 solos and 4 assists
Zach Benjamin: 7 solos, 3 assists and 1 pass break up
Dylan Collins: 3 solos, ½ sack, 2 assists and a 36-yard interception return for a TD
Rhett Roberts: 1 solo, ½ sacks and 3 assists
Sam Cleary: 4 solos and 3 pass break ups
Tyler Cullum: 3 solos
Dakota Collins: 2 solos, 6 assists and 1 sack
Jakey Dunagan: 3 solos and 5 assists
Austin Corley: 1 solo, ½ sack and 2 assists
Seth Harvey: 1 solo, 1 and ½ sacks and 4 assists
Nick Dimsdale: 1 solo, 1 assist and a 27-yard interception return for a TD
Malik Reid: 1 assist
Alex Hall: 1 solo, 1 assist, and 1 pass break up

Offensive Player of the Game: Dakota Collins
Defensive Player of the Game: Dylan Collins
Player of the Game: Dylan Collins