Gridiron Cougars Play Strong, Defensive in Opening Win

Piedmont Academy football coach Clint Satterfield said the Cougars will have to lean on their defense to have success early in the season.

The defensive unit stood tall by blanking Trinity Christian School-Dublin 13-0 at Cougar Field last Friday and limiting the Crusaders to less than 50 total yards.

Senior Adarius Fuller led the team with six solo tackles. Fellow senior Ridge Stroud added three solo stops and three assists.

Sophomore Braxton Floyd also recorded three solo tackles and three assists and two sacks while junior Daniel Joseph finished with two solo stops.

Also contributing on the defensive side of the football were freshman Michael Burke (one solo, two assists), senior Wyatt Joyner (one solo, one assist), senior Kaden Elkins (one solo, three assists, one tackle for a loss, one fumble recovery), junior Silas Cowen (three solo, one assist), junior Scott Swann (one solo), junior Owen Piedra (one solo tackle, one interception) and junior Mason Tumlin (three assists).

Piedmont scored touchdowns in the first and second quarters and then held on for the win.

Sophomore Hunter Cleveland completed four passes for 28 yards and one score. Elkins was the team’s leading rusher with 84 yards and 24 carries

Tumlin added to the ground game with 84 yards and seven carries and a score.

Hunter Thomson caught a 10-yard touchdown pass. Sophomore Jack Adams also had a 15-yard catch. Keith Hasker had a three-yard reception.

While Satterfield said he prefers to “throw the football all over the field,” the coach noted he will always adjust to the strengths of a particular team.

On special teams, Corbett Crews blocked a punt. Landon Cain had a 13-yard kickoff return. Mark Myles had a successful extra-point kick.

Piedmont (1-0) will be at home again this Friday when the Cougars host Terrell Academy. The Eagles (1-0) defeated Southwest Georgia 28-14 in their season opener last week.

“Terrell will be a tough task,” Satterfield said. “They will bring in a powerful passing game and a good defense.”

Satterfield expects this week’s game to be another of tests for his team during the season.

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