Elementary Cougars Compete
Piedmont Academy’s Elementary School (Junior Pro) football team wrapped up its 2015 season with two games in three days recently.
The young Cougars traveled to McDonough Saturday to face Creekside Christian, falling 35-12.
“Creekside plays a team of fourth, fifth and sixth graders and since our middle school season was over, I asked our sixth grade players if they would like to come to a week of our practice and then travel with us to the game,” said Piedmont coach Justin Owens.
Creekside scored twice in the first half to lead 13-0. The Cougars were then able to put together a drive capped by a one-yard run by sixth grader Ryan Holder to cut the lead to 13-6.
Creekside added two more touchdowns in the third quarter before Piedmont sixth grader David Bishop returned a kickoff 63 yards for a score. A final touchdown by Creekside made the final 35-12.
“Overall, I was not upset with our performance in game,” Coach Owens said. The league that Creekside plays in with their fourth-sixth grade team is closer to middle school type rules with live punts and kickoffs, as well as no coaches on the field. This was the first time we coached our boys from the sidelines and didn’t have an opportunity to practice it at all before game day.”
Fifth grade center Dalton Wallace was praised by his coaches for doing a “tremendous job of establishing a leadership role in calling the huddle after every play.”
“I was really pleased with the way our quarterback Mason Owens stepped up and took control in the huddle to get the plays called,” Coach Owens said. “We had no broken plays due to miscommunication.”
The Cougars were led defensively by sixth grader Ryan Holder, fifth grader Joe Clark and fourth grader Sean Davis.
The Elementary Cougars then played at home Monday against Fullington, falling 22-0, in a game which wrapped up the season.
The visitors scored quickly in the first quarter on the opening possession of the game. Piedmont then drove the ball down to the 10-yard line before an interception stopped the drive.
Fullington found the end zone again in the second half. Piedmont mounted two drives deep into Fullington territory, however, both ended with fumbles. The half ended with Fullington leading 14-0.
In the third quarter, the Cougars were able to move the ball again deep into Fullington territory but after a strong run up the middle by fifth grade fullback Drew Maddox, the ball was stripped in a controversial play where it appeared the runner was already down.
Fullington scored again in the fourth and the clock expired as Piedmont was again marching down the field leaving the final score at 22-0.
“It was unfortunate that we lost so many turnovers in this game as we moved the ball better than we had all season,” Owens said. “I was really pleased with the performance of the offense. Our line really blocked as well and Carson Hammock and Drew Maddox both had some big plays. Mason also had a good night with a big third down conversion on a completed pass and some good yards up the middle as well. Joe Clark had another strong performance on defense.”
Monday’s home game completed the season for the Cougars.
“While our record didn’t reflect great success, I feel that the fundamentals learned and team atmosphere built between these players will benefit Piedmont’s football program for years to come,” Owens said. “These boys could have played rec football but chose to represent their school. Many of them have been, and will be together for their entire school careers at Piedmont and establishing that camaraderie and trust among the players is extremely important.”
Many moments will remain with coaches but one of Owens’ proudest came in the final game against Fullington when second grader Hunter Thomson made a big tackle, and despite being down by several touchdowns, several of the fifth graders went to him to congratulate him on the hit.
“That’s the kind of spirit and leadership we tried to inspire in these boys” Owens said. “After the game I told them all that the most enjoyable part of coaching this year wasn’t the playing of the game, but the chance to get to know them all on a personal level. I look forward to seeing them all mature into responsible and respectful young men and watching where their lives take them. “
Owens thanked the parents for their support in terms of working the chains to announcing the contest from the press box.
“You just don’t get that kind of support everywhere and it speaks volumes about the character of these Piedmont families,” Owens said.
Helping coach team were Marc Allen, Jeff Clark, Andy Maddox, Mike McCart and Jeff Morton.