Cougars Fall in Season Opener

It was one of those cases of the final score not really being a true indicator of what took place on the field.

While Piedmont Academy’s varsity football team fell 27-0 to Bethlehem Christian Academy in the 2017 season opener last Friday, Cougars coach Wes Tanner was optimistic about what he saw on the field from his team.

“I was extremely encouraged,” Tanner said. “We are a young team. Our execution was not there all of the time but I am proud of the effort we put forth.”

The visiting BCA Knights scored in the first quarter and used a strong defensive effort to spoil the home and season debut for the Cougars. However, the game was close until deep into the second half.

“This is not the same BCA program of a few years ago,” Tanner said. “This is by far the best team they have put on the field. Our defense hung in there and battled. They were put in some bad positions a couple of times.”

Tate Marks was 9-of-18 passing for Piedmont for 80 yards connecting with J.T. Webb for four passes for 50 yards. Dylan Coe hauled in three receptions for 26 yards while Chase Porter and Caleb Faircloth both had a catch.

Marks was also the team’s leading rusher with 26 yards.

Defensively, Piedmont was led by Parker Clark who had seven tackles and seven assists and Webb who recorded four solo tackles and six assists. Owen Brady (two solo stops, four assists), Coe (two solo tackles), Logan Conner (one solo tackle, one assist), Zach Spivey (one solo tackle), Faircloth (one solo tackle, five assists) and Tanner Coppock (three assists) also contributed defensively.

BCA added a couple of late fourth quarter touchdowns which made the final score seemed more one-sided by the time the final buzzer sounded.

“I didn’t take any negatives from the game,” Tanner said. “We have some things we can build on. We will continue to make strides defensively and we will continue to get things corrected offensively.”

Piedmont will look to regroup this week in practice as they prepare for another Class AAA opponent in Loganville Christian Academy. This Friday’s game is on the road and begins at 8 p.m.

The LCA Lions took part in a three-school scrimmage last week along with North Cobb Christian and Hebron Christian. Tanner and the Piedmont coaches viewed the tape of the scrimmage and said LCA will be a quality opponent.

“An advantage for us is that we have played a game,” Tanner said. “That would be true for anyone in that position. Loganville Christian is very good and has been running their system for a while.”

Key players for LCA include Dana Lucas (defensive end, tight end), John McFadden (quarterback), Clayton Smith (quarterback), Spencer Dispain (running back) and Brad Hardeman (linebacker).

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK VS. BCA

All-Around: J.T. Webb

Offense: Dylan Coe

Defense: Parker Clark

Special Teams: Owen Brady