Piedmont To Face Tough Opponent
The Piedmont Academy football team will face perhaps its toughest opponent of the regular season this week when the Cougars travel to face Class AAA John Milledge Academy.
The Trojans, coached by former University of Georgia football player J.T. Wall, have been impressive on their way to a 4-0 start this season. JMA has scored 50 or more points in its last three games, including a 55-6 win against Brentwood last Friday.
“They are playing well,” said Piedmont coach Wes Tanner. “They get after it pretty good.”
Many have predicted John Milledge to be the team to beat in Class AAA, the largest classification in the GISA. Kickoff Friday is set for 7:30 p.m.
“Offensively, they run a scheme similar to what J.T. did when he was at Georgia,” Tanner said. “They are going to use the fullback and will try to throw it some. They will come right at you and make you try to stop them. They certainly have the potential to be one of the best teams in the state. They are the odds on favorite to win AAA. They do a lot of things very well.”
In order to have a chance to win, the Cougars will need to stop any big plays.
“We also have to win the turnover battle,” Tanner said. “Of course, that’s an every week thing, but they have made a living with big plays and crushing people in the turnover battle.”
Regardless of the game’s outcome, the Piedmont coach said the contest will provide a solid test for his team.
“We are going to see how mentally and physically tough we are,” Tanner said. “We are excited about the opportunity to play an opponent of this caliber.”
Last Friday saw the Cougars unable to finish their game against Monsignor Donovan in Athens. The score was tied 14-14 in the second quarter when weather conditions caused the game to be delayed and eventually cancelled. It will not be made up.
“The intensity level was good,” Tanner said. “It was pretty clear the entire game was going to be a war. They are a talented bunch and have the ability to score anytime they touch the football. It was good for us to face an opponent like that.”
Piedmont was driving for perhaps another score when the game was stopped.
“You never know what might have happened in terms of the game’s outcome,” Tanner said. “The field was already sloppy.”
This was not the first time a varsity football game for Piedmont was not able to be complete due to weather conditions. In 2007, the game against John Hancock Academy was stopped with 2:45 remaining in the first quarter with the Cougars leading 7-0. A game must reach halftime in order to be considered official.
PLAYERS OF WEEK VS. Monsignor Donavan
•Noah Quick: Special Teams
•Wyatt Galloway: Defense
•Chris Cain: Offense