Several Cougars Have Standout Season

Even as the Piedmont Academy football players and coaches look ahead to 2018, there were several players who had quality seasons this fall.

Quarterback Tate Marks passed for 975 yards and six touchdowns while Logan Conner was the team’s leading rusher with 458 yards on 111 carries with three scores. JT Webb was the top receiver with 5-2 yards on 34 catches and five touchdowns.

Webb was also a key player on the defensive side of the football with 89 total tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble and one interception.

In addition to his passing numbers, Marks rushed for 252 yards in 2017 while Noah Faubli compiled 178 yards on the ground. Owen Brady added 137 rushing yards while Trent Coots had 48.

Brady was also a key receiver for the team with 158 yards. Conner hauled in 125 yards in reception yards.

Defensively, Parker Clark had 72 total tackles (35 solo, 37 assists) while Conner finished the season with 63 tackles (28 solo, 35 assists). Other top defensive players included Tanner Coppock (51 total tackles), Caleb Faircloth (39 total tackles), Chase Porter (31 total tackles), Brett Bush (30 total tackles), Faubli (29 total tackles), Brady (28 total tackles) and Coots (21 total tackles.)

Faircloth led the team with two interceptions.

On special teams, Ezra King was 12-of-14 on point after attempts and 3-of-3 on field goals with a long of 37 yards. Brady and King handled the punting duties.

Coach Wes Tanner said despite the team not having the overall record it wanted in 2017, the players worked hard in each practice to improve. Tanner said the 2018 schedule would feature new opponents as the GISA has a reclassification year. Piedmont’s region alignment may also see change.

The Cougars did earn the No. 3 playoff spot from GISA Region 1-AA this season.