Piedmont Blanks Central Christian

Piedmont Academy’s football team may be playing its best football at the right time.

The Cougars won for the second time in as many weeks last Friday with a 40-0 victory against visiting Central Christian. Once again several players had standout performances for coach Will Johnson’s team.

The game did not start as well for Piedmont, however. A fumble on the opening kickoff gave Central Christian the football right out of the gate. The Cougar defense held and was able to get the football back.

On Piedmont’s first possession an interception ended a potential scoring opportunity.

“We started off sloppy but after the first possession we scored on four in a row,” Johnson said. “I had been concerned about a letdown after such an emotional game with Flint River the week before. We settled down, however, and handled the game well.”

Quarterback Chris Pittman continued his standout season with a 7-of-11 performance for 124 yards and three touchdowns. Pittman also rushed for 52 yards and another score on four carries.

“It has been a breakout season for Chris,” his coach said. “He is doing a great job of directing the offense.”

Trent Coots had a big night in the backfield compiling 118 rushing yards and a score. He also had one pass reception in the win.

“It was good to see Trent have such a great game,” Johnson said.

Owen Brady caught four passes for 46 yards and a touchdown. Payton Wallace had a 40-yard touchdown catch while Bradley Greenwood had a touchdown reception of 37 yards.

Johnson said Brady continues to lead the team on both sides of the football this season.

Also adding a touchdown was Gray Morgan who normally plays on the offensive line. During one series he was used in the backfield near the goal line and found himself carrying the football into the end zone.

The Cougars will look to make it three victories in as many contests when they host Robert Toombs Academy Friday. The game will have special meaning for Piedmont’s coach as he is a graduate of the Lyons-based school.

“It should be a great matchup,” said Johnson. “They are similar to us in the schedule they have played.”

The game will have special meaning for Piedmont’s head coach as he is a 2010 graduate of Robert Toombs. While Johnson played collegiately at Valdosta State he continued to train at his high school alma mater and even was a volunteer coach.

“Coach Thomas Smith has been there a long time and does a great job,” Johnson said. “They like to cause defensive pressure with man coverage. They are going to try to keep Chris from doing what he does well.”

Offensively the Crusaders will try to run it right at the Cougars.

“They play a physical style of football and will be ready mentally,” Johnson said. “We have to come to work every day this week and be fully prepared for them.”

Robert Toombs enters the game 2-6 overall. Wins have been against Westwood (25-12) and Creekside (41-12). Losses have been to Pinewood (52-7), Edmund Burke (40-28), Briarwood (35-7), Monsignor Donovan (22-0), Brentwood (61-34) and St. Andrews (31-14.)

The Crusaders have not posted a victory since their September 13 game against Creekside.

Kickoff at Cougar Field is set for 7:30 p.m. It will also be Senior Night.