Cougars Earn Win On Senior Night

The Piedmont Academy varsity football team put another win in the record book last Friday defeating visiting Augusta Prep 40-20 on Senior Night.

The Cougars (6-1) guaranteed themselves a winning season for 2020 with the victory, something coach Will Johnson said was important for this year’s team as well as the program.

“It was a good win,” the coach said. “It was nice to get a win on Senior Night. We were a little sloppy at times on offense but that was to be expected somewhat after such a big win against Thomas Jefferson in our previous game. We came out a little flat.”

Augusta Prep (3-5 overall) centered its defensive game plan on stopping Piedmont’s passing attack.

“They played well in trying to slow down our passing game,” Johnson said. “Fortunately, we were able to run the football well.”

The Cougars compiled 251 yards on the ground led by senior quarterback Chris Pittman who rushed for a team-high 188 yards on 13 carries with four scores.

Piedmont led 19-0 before Augusta Prep got on the scoreboard cutting the margin to 19-6. The Cougars answered with another score to push the lead back to 26-6.

In the final moments of the first half Piedmont took possession deep in its own territory when Pittman raced 90 yards for another touchdown and a 34-6 advantage.

“That gave us some breathing room,” Johnson said. “We were able to get some of our backups in the game in the second half.”

The coach said senior Jackson Welch, typically a lineman, was able to score a touchdown on a pass from Pittman. Johnson said Welch is such an unselfish player that it was nice to reward him with a touchdown on Senior Night.

Senior Tanner Locklear also had a rushing touchdown. Joe Clark had 49 yards on the ground on seven carries and Michael Joseph added 10 yards on three rushes.

One key for the offense moving forward, Johnson said, was for Pittman to not try to always make a big play.

“He needs to look at his check-down receivers,” Johnson said. “Still, Chris had a big night for us rushing the football. It is just tough to completely stop him.”

Pittman had 54 yards passing last Friday with a touchdown. Luke Welch had two receptions for 22 yards. Bradley Greenwood made one catch for 25 yards while Gavin Mask had a reception for 11 yards.

The next two weeks will be strong tests for the Cougars. This Friday they travel to Sandersville to face Brentwood, one of the top teams in Class AA.

“They will be one of our toughest opponents for sure,” Johnson said. “I think Brentwood is the favorite for the AA title.”

The Eagles will be a run-first and run-often team using a Wing-T offense. It is the same offensive system coach Bert Brown has used for years.

“This is a game where we have to play our best so far this year,” Johnson said. “Defensively, we have to get them out of what they like to do. On offense we will need to be able to throw the football because Brentwood is strong against the run. It is going to be a tough task.”

The Eagles are 5-1 and have not lost since their season opener to Class AAA state championship favorite John Milledge Academy.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.