Cougars Win on Late Field Goal

Piedmont Academy’s football team ventured a long way from home last Friday, but the ride home was made more enjoyable after a 17-14 win against Georgia Christian.

Chase Young kicked the game winning field goal late in the fourth quarter. Hunter Knox also scored two touchdowns for the Cougars on a night when points were tough to come by.

“We pulled one out of the fire,” said coach Wes Tanner. “It was a tough week because there was not one day where we had everyone at practice. We then had to make a very long trip against a team that I believe is the best in their region.”

A virus swept through Piedmont last week even causing the school to close on Thursday. Fall break was already scheduled for Friday and Monday so the coaches had to make adjustments with the players not in school.

Young has been one of the team’s biggest surprises this season. He has been perfect on his extra-point attempts as well as field goals. This is his first season on the football team.

“When I came back, I kept hearing that Chase was pretty good,” Tanner said. “However, I wanted to see what he could do. You hear all the time that someone is ‘pretty good.’ However, he has shown he can deliver in clutch situations. He has definitely become a weapon for us.”

Even with the Cougars close to punching the football into the end zone for another touchdown which would have won the game, Tanner didn’t hesitate to call on Young for a potential game-winning kick.

“We centered the football in the middle of the field and even though we could have tried a couple more times to score a touchdown, we sent him in to win it,” his coach said. “We were out of timeouts and their defense had been tough all night. We didn’t want to take any risks.”

With Nolan Cleary snapping the football and Knox holding it, Young delivered the winning points.

Each week, the Piedmont coaching staff sets aside practice time for the kicking game. In addition, Tyler Landress, who has helped coach the school’s soccer programs, works with Young each week.

“Last Wednesday we had several players out of practice so we worked even more on special teams,” Tanner said.

Another key to last Friday’s victory was the play of the defense holding the Generals to 14 points.

“We had to make a stand a couple of times,” Tanner said. “Mack Brady came up with a big interception for us.”

The Cougars will have their bye week Friday, which comes at a good time for the team.

“We need a break and a rest,” Tanner said. “We likely won’t practice in pads this week. We need to get healthy.”

The team was given Monday off and will also take this Friday off from practice. Piedmont will begin its 2014 region schedule Oct. 24 against Dawson Street.

Players of the Week

•Offense: Hunter Knox

•Defense: Zach Wilson

•Special Teams: Young and entire special teams kicking unit

•Overall: Mack Brady

•Special Recognition: Gaven Edge