Cougars Look Impressive, To Face Strong Road Test

The Piedmont Academy varsity football team continued its strong 2020 season with a convincing 55-21 win against visiting Robert Toombs last Friday at Cougar Field.

The Cougars (4-0 overall) had the game well in hand by halftime as coaches were able to get everyone valuable playing time. For coach Will Johnson it all went back to preparation.

“We had a great week of practice,” the coach said. “We didn’t take them lightly. We were able to set the tone early scoring on our first drive. We have been able to do that in each game this season.”

Senior quarterback Chris Pittman had 56 yards rushing and two touchdowns in less than a half of action. Pittman also passed for 58 yards and a score.

Backup quarterback Gavin Mask was 5-of-8 for 80 yards and a touchdown.

Landon Conner had catches for 45 yards and one touchdown while Ryan Holder hauled in a 40-yard touchdown reception. Luke Welch (one catch for 18 yards), Spencer Carter (two catches for 35 yards) and Michael Joseph (one catch for 10 yards) all contributed to the impressive offensive performance.

Joe Clark was the team’s leading rusher with seven carries for 89 yards and a touchdown. Joseph added 21 yards and a score on five rushes. Tanner Locklear rushed for a 10-yard touchdown.

Defensively, freshman Ridge Stroud continued to step up and had an interception return for a score. Stroud has been a key player for his team on both sides of the football.

Luke Welch and Conner both had four tackles with one for negative yards. Joseph recorded five tackles while Spencer Carter and Eli Frix both had four. George Russell made three tackles and had a forced fumble.

Locklear also had an interception to help lead the defensive effort in Friday’s win.

“It was a good win and it was also good to get our younger players on the field for varsity action,” Johnson said. “All of our running backs scored a touchdown.”

While pleased with his team’s 4-0 start, Johnson said the schedule is about to start getting much tougher beginning with this Friday’s road game at Westfield in Perry.

“The gauntlet starts now,” the coach said. “It is time for us to be tested and to see if we are contenders or pretenders. Right now, everyone is riding here but the next few games will tell us where we are.”

Westfield, a Class AAA school, is 2-0 and coached by Rob Fitzpatrick.

“They will be the most physical team we have played,” Johnson said. “They are disciplined and well coached. The program has been done some in recent years but they are going back up. They had a great win against Southland last week.”

The Hornets will be extremely tough on both the offensive and defensive lines. Westfield runs power football using a Wing T formation.

“They don’t throw the football a lot,” Johnson said. “Our defense is going to have to be prepared for a war.”

Following this week’s matchup with Westfield, the Cougars will play undefeated Class AAA foe Creekside Christian before returning home for a rematch of last season’s Class A state champion Thomas Jefferson Academy. The Jaguars are also undefeated for the 2020 season.

Kickoff this Friday in Perry is set for 7:30 p.m.