Cougars Drop Close Homecoming Game
The Piedmont Academy football team was involved in another close contest Friday night.
Unfortunately for the Cougars, the close games continue to go against them in 2013 as visiting Edmund Burke left town with a 15-6 victory. Piedmont trailed 15-0 at halftime but had chances to potentially overtake the Spartans.
“We did a poor job of pass blocking and pass protection,” coach Rhett Farmer said. “We did not get much movement up front. We didn’t have the football much in the first half but limited our scoring chances and then we were hit by some injuries which forced younger players into the lineup.”
Overall, Edmund Burke ran 65 plays in the contest to Piedmont’s 35. The Spartans also recovered an onside kick in the first half.
“Our front line was not up far enough and left before the football passed them,” Farmer said. “By the time we figured out offensively where they were lining up, we had inexperienced backs in the game.”
A positive for the Cougars continues to be the play of quarterback Hunter Knox.
“Our quarterback played well,” Farmer said. “At times he was running for his life. Part of the issue was our line is young and Edmund Burke is pretty good defensively.”
Farmer said the defense played well in areas, as it has all season.
Evan Harvey had a team-high 13 tackles while Malik Reid had 12.
“I thought we hustled defensively,” the coach said. “People have to remember we are using a lot of the same players on defense as we are on offense. The kids are putting forth effort physically, but we are still making mistakes mentally.”
Piedmont’s offense has been able to pass the football effective at times this season, but the air attack was not as effective overall against Edmund Burke.
Injuries are also taking a toll on the team.
“We are as banged up now as we’ve ever been,” Farmer said. “Our quarterback is keeping us in the game with his feet. Hunter had a long run Friday, which he almost broke for a touchdown. We do need to throw the football better.”
The Cougars will look to heal up enough to give Class AAA Trinity, Sharpsburg a challenge this Friday. The Lions are 3-1 overall with wins against Flint River, Dominion and Community Christian. Trinity, Sharpsburg lost to John Milledge 33-12 in its season opener.
“They have a quarterback who is tall and athletic,” Farmer said. “He moved from wide receiver and is a good passer and runner. They will line up in the I-formation and some spread while looking to throw it a good bit. They also have a big, athletic fullback.”
Trinity, coached by former NFL punter Chris Hanson, runs a 4-3 base defense.
STATS vs. Edmund Burke
Offense:
•Hunter Knox: 13 carries for 72 yards, 2-of-10 passing for 17 yards
•Cameron Hammock: 6 carries for 17 yards, 1 Td
•Gaven Edge: 1 carry for 1 yards
•Hank Strickland: 1 catch for 10 yards
•Britton Bailey: 1 catch for 7 yards
Special teams:
•Hank Strickland: 34-yard punt return
Defense:
•Evan Harvey: 13 tackles
•Malik Reid: 12 tackles
•Chris Cain: 9 tackles
•Mills Smith: 6 tackles
•Dylan Efird: 6 tackles
•Hank Strickland: 6 tackles
•Gaven Edge: 5 tackles
•Mike Weatherly: 5 tackles