Elementary Cougars Finish Season

Piedmont Academy’s Elementary School football team finished its 2014 season last week against Trinity Christian School in Dublin.

The Cougars fell 44-18 although the team was somewhat shorthanded.

“The school had a terrible stomach bug that impacted a lot of students,” said coach Justin Owens.

“We had a couple of key players either out or very weak from being sick just prior to the game. Our starting tailback got sick on the way to the game and was not able to make it. We were left having to juggle some players into key roles that they have never played before.”

The offense was led by Ryan Holder, who scored two touchdowns, and Tanner Beam, who scored on a 40-yard run in his first game at running back. Holder also helped lead the defense along with Russ Hagwood and Drew Maddox.

“I was really proud of the boys this season and after the game asked them two questions: Did they have fun and did they learn anything about football?” Owens said.

“The answer to both was a resounding ‘yes.’ I then reminded them that those were the goals we set for ourselves at the beginning of the season and therefore I consider the season a success.”

Owens said his players consistently gave great effort all season.

“They never got down on themselves or each other,” he said. “The team dynamic of this group really began to show and I hope that will continue with this group of boys for years to come as they progress through the Piedmont athletic program. I also would like to recognize the tremendous amount of support I received from all the parents.

“We could not have made it through a single game without the dedication of these parents who were ready and willing to assist in many ways.”