Cougar Soccer Preps for New Season
Piedmont Academy’s soccer teams have a new season within reach.
Coach Zach Norris said the Lady Cougars will have numerous returning players and a roster which will feature 18 players.
For the varsity boys, several new faces will be counted on from the 16-player roster.
“I believe that both teams will compete at a high level and we will have fun no matter,” Norris said. “We will have to play hard to finish on top of our game because we are in a tough league again this season.”
The varsity girls will begin their new season on Monday, Feb. 29, against Creekside at home at 4:30 p.m. Both teams will host Lake Oconee Academy on March 2 beginning at 4:30 p.m.
“I am very interested to see how we do,” Norris said. “This will give us an idea on what we need to improve on going forward to our first region game on March 8 in Augusta.”
Players for the 2016 varsity girls include seniors Amelia Dodson, Anna Phillips, Becca Hopper, Bridgette Phillips, Haley Tyler and Taylor Swart. Juniors are Georgia Allen and Maddie Mooneyham. Sophomores include Anna Knox, Alexis Dodson, Anne Marie Hildrebrant, Caitlyn Young, Gracie Brittain, Sara Hammonds and Taylor Patterson. Freshmen are Mattie Johnston, Ryn Smith and Sydney Davis.
Erica Young is helping coach the Lady Cougars this season and Norris said the players have responded well to her style of coaching.
The varsity boys will feature seniors Chris Cain, Chris Coogler and Clay Kirkpatrick with juniors Brice Dodson and Joseph Anderson. The team will also have several sophomores including Andrew Chapko, Chase Tweedell, Corbin Burrell, Ian Body, Jackson Waddleton, Rustin Starker, Talon Anglin and Tanner Coppock.
Kade Mitcham, Sam Younker and Logan Conner are freshman on the varsity boys roster.
Piedmont’s Middle School girls soccer program had several players show interest in competing. Tryouts were held for the 16-player roster.
“They are an exciting team with a few returning players,” Norris said of the Middle School Lady Cougars. “I am excited to see them get started and I believe they will do very well this year. I expect us to go out and compete with everyone we play and to have fun.”
The first match for the Middle School girls will be March 3 at home against Watkinsville Academy at 4:30 p.m.