Piedmont Varsity Cougars Earn Impressive Road Win

It has been so far, so good for the Piedmont Academy football team in 2020.

The Cougars (2-0) went on the road for the first time this season last Friday and defeated Central Christian 40-22 in Sharpsburg. Piedmont set the tone early by jumping out to a 34-0 lead after the first quarter. The Cougars led 40-8 at halftime.

“There was an unknown element since we had no tape on them,” coach Will Johnson said. “We didn’t want to overlook them. We also had some adversity since could not use the locker room due to COVID. It was good to see how we overcame all obstacles in front of us.”

For the second week in a row the Piedmont special teams came up with a successful onside kick. The offense then took the opening drive and quickly moved four plays for a score on a 23-yard run by quarterback Chris Pittman.

The Cougar defense then had a three-and-out to give the football back to the offense. Pittman capped this scoring drive with a touchdown pass to Bradley Greenwood.

After Central Christian fumbled the ensuing kickoff the special teams recovered and the fast start continued.

“It felt like the first quarter lasted forever,” Johnson said. “Fortunately, it was good for us to have such a fast start. We kept the momentum going throughout the game. Hopefully we can continue to do that throughout the season.”

Pittman carried the football six times for 35 yards and a score and also completed 7-of-8 passes for 136 yards and four more touchdowns. All of Pittman’s offensive stats came in the first quarter.

“Chris had a great night,” Johnson said. “He made great reads and looked very comfortable throwing the football. He made the defensive reads and got the protection lined up.”

Ryan Holder had four catches for 85 yards and two touchdowns while Greenwood had two catches for 42 yards and two scores. Logan Thompson had two catches for 32 yards and John Reasoner had a 38-yard reception.

Joe Clark rushed the football 13 times for 95 yards and had a 30-yard touchdown catch. Michael Joseph carried the football eight times for 75 yards.

Gavin Mask, who got considerable playing time at quarterback, was 4-of-9 for 98 yards and a score. He also rushed the football three times for 20 yards. Johnson said it was good to get Mask some quality playing time as he does not get as many reps in practice.

“We opened up the passing game some,” Johnson said. “Our receivers played a big role in the game. Ryan Holder has been a great addition to our team. We are glad we have him this season. He has moved into the role of always being a security outlet for Pittman.”

Right guard Ryan Reeves had a knee injury on the second series of the game and was held out for precaution. Ridge Stroud stepped in and had a solid outing, his coach said.

“Our run game is steady and consistent,” Johnson said. Joe has been solid running and catching the football this season.”

Joseph is a sophomore transfer from Eastside High School in Covington.

“He reminds me of Tanner Locklear and Trent Coots when they were sophomores,” Johnson said. “He probably weighs 130 pounds but can take a hit from the biggest defender. He is still learning the offense but I believe he is going to be a great player for us.”

The offense line did not allow a sack. Working in the trenching for the Cougars were left guard Dalton Wallace, left tackle Mason Tanner, center Mark Hicks, Reeves and Stroud at right guard and right tackle Jackson Welch.

The defense helped put the offense in great position the entire game. The worst starting field position for the offense was the Piedmont 41-yard line.

“When your longest field is less than 60 yards then you can make things happen,” Johnson said.

Piedmont will remain on the road this Friday, Sept. 18 as the Cougars venture to Rock Springs Christian Academy for a 7:30 p.m. contest.

The Rock Spring Eagles are located in Milner in Lamar County.

“Many of the kids know each other,” Johnson said. “This is their second year in 11-man football. They will do some things we have to prepare for. They are a pro style team and will use some shotgun. They will be the best team we have seen yet. We are excited for it.”

Friday’s contest will be the first regular season game for Rock Springs. The Eagles have taken part in two scrimmages.