Piedmont Defeats Briarwood, 31-21
Piedmont Academy earned a tough, non-region road victory Friday by defeating Briarwood Academy 31-21.
With the Cougars’ region schedule approaching, last week’s victory was another positive sign moving forward for the team. The win came on a night that saw several unusual events, including 140 yards of penalties on Piedmont.
“Briarwood was definitely a strong team and we were able to get out of there against some tough odds with a win,” said coach Wes Tanner. “We played well on defense. We had to make some on-the-fly personnel moves and our kids never missed a beat. We actually played very poor run defense in the first half, but then played better in the second half. We played better from a technical standpoint.”
Jeremiah Dave and Hunter Knox were leaned on to help carry the team offensively. The Buccaneers were crowding the line and disrupted Piedmont’s passing game. Knox and Dave, however, delivered as they have all season, their coach said.
Knox powered his way to a 178-yard night on 32 yards for a 5.6 yard per carry average. Dave added 49 yards on six attempts.
“We also didn’t throw it as much because of the wet conditions,” Tanner said. “It was another tough game that will help us once we get into our region schedule. We will definitely be battle tested.”
Zach Beggs was 3-of-5 for 112 yards including two touchdown throws. Knox also threw a 16-yard pass for a score to Chris McClain.
Michael Edwards had two catches for 89 yards while Dave had a 23-yard touchdown reception.
Defensively, Dave had 13 total stops, including five solo and eight assists. Wyatt Galloway added three solo and eight assists with one tackle for a loss. Payden Cantera finished with seven total tackles (two solo, five assists.)
Chris Cain had a another big night defensively with 14 overall tackles (eight solo, six assists and one tackle for a loss.) Gaven Edge also had four solo stops and five assists with Hunter Burson recording three assists.
On special teams, Chase Young was a perfect 4-of-4 on extra-point attempts and successfully made a 28-yard field goal. For the season, Young is 40-of-40 on extra point kicks.
The win improved the Cougars to 5-1 overall with the lone loss coming to Class AAA John Milledge Academy. Piedmont will travel to Georgia Christian in Valdosta this Friday for one final non-region contest.
The Generals are entering the game off a 26-13 win against Terrell Academy. Georgia Christian is now 4-2 overall with its only losses coming to Class AAA programs Tiftarea and Brookwood.
“They are pretty good,” Tanner said of this week’s foe. “I would consider them the front-runner to win their region (3-AA). Their middle linebacker is a very good player and they have a receiver who can go up and get it.”
The Generals use multiple offensive formations, running everything from a Power I to the spread.
Piedmont Academy will be on fall break Friday and Tanner said long road trips of this nature always add an extra dimension when preparing.
“You try not to let is affect you,” the coach said. “It’s not a case of where we can leave at 4 p.m. like some trips. We will plan for some stops along the way to eat and let the players stretch their legs. We’ll try to make the long trip and get out with a win. It will be another challenge.”
Kickoff in Valdosta is set for 7:30 p.m.
Players of the Week
Offense: Jeremiah Dave
Defense: Payden Cantera
Special Teams: Nolan Cleary
Overall: Zach Beggs, Michael Edwards
Stats vs. Briarwood
•Hunter Knox: 32 carries for 178 yards, 1-of-1 passing for 16 yards, 1 TD
•Jeremiah Dave: 6 carries for 49 yards, 1 catch for 23 yards, 1 TD and 13 total tackles
•Zach Beggs: 3-of-5 passing for 112 yards, 2 TDs
•Michael Edwards: 2 catches for 89 yards, 1 TD
•Chris McClain: 1 catch for 16 yards, 1 TD