Piedmont Sees Positives in Scrimmage

The Piedmont Academy football team took a big step toward the start of the 2013 season Friday when the Cougars hosted Covenant Academy of Macon for a preseason scrimmage.

Coach Rhett Farmer said there were plenty of positives for his team, but he also noted there are some areas his team still needs to work on before the August 23 opener against powerhouse Westwood.

“We saw a lot of good things,” Farmer said. “I am proud of how we competed. We made some plays and had fun. I’d still like to see some more intensity.”

The teams alternated series, running 10 plays. While an official score was not kept, the Cougars managed to reach the end zone several times.

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“There were plenty of positives, but when we looked at the film we saw some negatives,” Farmer said. “At this point in the process, however, I am pleased with where we are at. I felt going in we had depth at quarterback, fullback and running back and the scrimmage showed that.”

Starting quarterback Hunter Knox made several pass connections to Hank Strickland while Dylan Efird made a completion to Mills Smith. Chris McClain is also working at the quarterback position.

“I thought our offensive line fired off the football,” Farmer said. “We need to be quicker though since we are an option team. We may have looked better offensively because of our depth.”

“Defensively, our ends played well at times. We didn’t really have our secondary tested. Our linebackers also played well. Our defensive tackles will need to break double teams better.”

The game was a homecoming of sorts for former Piedmont defensive coordinator Wes Tanner, who is now directing the Covenant program.

“I am proud of everyone out here tonight,” Tanner said after the scrimmage. ‘”I spent six years at Piedmont and cherish every minute of. I made a lot of good memories. I am proud of what my new team showed tonight. We had only been practicing in pads for three days. We have a long way to go, but I believe we have a special group.”

For Piedmont, the players began the new school year Monday so practice now moves to the regular after-school time.

“We have plenty to work on,” Farmer said. “Our coaches graded their positions this weekend. It’s not surprising that we still have some things to work on. We like the potential of this team, however.”

Preparations began this week for the August 23 home contest against Westwood. In the past three seasons, the Wildcats have won two Class A titles, and advanced to the AA title game last season. They are expected to be formidable once again.

“We know what kind of challenge awaits us,” Farmer said.