Piedmont Defeats Flint River

Piedmont Academy celebrated its 50th anniversary last Friday with homecoming and the outcome of that night’s football game made the occasion even more special.

The Cougars blanked rival Flint River Academy 21-0 to improve to 2-4 overall. In a game coaches and players were all looking forward to, Piedmont played some of its most inspired football of the 2019 season in earning the victory.

“It was a great atmosphere and a great team win,” said Piedmont coach Will Johnson. “It was just a great night for everyone at Piedmont.”

Chris Pittman continued his All-Star season with 215 yards rushing on 29 attempts and two scores. Pittman was also 4-of-7 through the air for 111 yards.

With Pittman previously throwing the football as much as 30 times a game the Cougar coaches adjusted their game plan. That change in philosophy seemed to cause some confusion for the Wildcat defense.

“We caught them by surprise,” Johnson said. “We thought we could line up and run it right at them. Our offensive line, wide receivers and running backs all were doing their jobs. We relied on our read option game. Chris did a great job of being physical and directing the offense.”

Overall Piedmont compiled 310 yards on the ground and 111 through the air. Offensive linemen Mark Hicks, Garrett Kirksey, Gray Morgan, Jacob Ferguson and Zach Spivey helped clear the way up front.

Tanner Locklear had five catches for 53 yards and one touchdown. Payton Wallace made two catches for 94 yards.

Johnson praised the team play by Trent Coots who had a big impact on the game despite carrying the football just three times.

“Trent did a great job of sealing the edge for us and had three pancake blocks,” his coach said. “He showed it was more ‘we’ than ‘I’ and was simply willing to do whatever it took for us to be successful.”

The overall approach by the entire team impressed the Cougar coaching staff.

“I’m not sure if it was because it was Flint River but we were very focused,” Johnson said. “Our players knew they had to get this win.”

Piedmont’s defense also had a strong night.

“Flint River threatened late but our defensive wanted to keep them scoreless,” Johnson said.

Morgan had a strong night at nose tackle as did Hicks on the defensive line. Owen Brady was solid at linebacker and freshman Luke Welch came up big at defensive end.

As important as the win against Flint River was the team is now looking head. Piedmont remains at home this Friday as they host Central Christian of Sharpsburg. The Crusaders have struggled this season and are seeking their first win of 2019.

“We will go in with a similar game plan as last week,” Johnson said. “The way Chris is playing if we can keep him healthy then we can go places. I have a lot of trust in him and I believe he will make the right decisions. It makes the job of a play caller much easier.”

While this week’s foe has struggled overall in 2019 the Cougars will not overlook them.

“We can’t look ahead,” Johnson said. “We have to focus on who we are playing next. Anyone can win on any given Friday night.”

Central Christian also played Flint River Academy earlier this season falling 30-0.

Kickoff at Cougar Field is set for 7:30 p.m.