Cougars Open Region Schedule with Win

Piedmont Academy entered last Friday’s game with Westminster with four wins under its belt, but the 44-6 victory earned in Augusta helped the Cougars begin the 2011 region schedule 1-0.

That alone helped make last Friday’s win a big one.

“It’s good to be 1-0 in the region,” Piedmont coach Rhett Farmer said. “It’s always good to start off on the right foot. It was a total team effort even though at times we didn’t play well on both sides of the ball. We handled some adversity which was good because we know there will be times when the talent from our opponent is going to match us.”

Peter Lawson had another big night offensively with 182 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. Zach Benjamin, who was named Player of the Game, added 86 yards on nine attempts on the ground and was 2-for-2 passing for 56 yards.

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Nick Dimsdale contributed 82 yards on nine carries and two touchdowns. He also caught two passes for 70 yards, including a 55-yard score.

“I thought Zach really played well at quarterback,” Farmer said. “He threw it well when we had to. He had a good night running and passing and made a lot of tackles on defense. He played well as well as he has all year.”

While the offense had to make some adjustments on the go, Piedmont only had one turnover. The defense also played well, especially early, when the offense was looking to get on track, Farmer said.

It was also a game where the Cougars were able to use three different quarterbacks. In addition to Benjamin, Hunter Knox and Zach Beggs also saw time under center. Both Knox and Beggs had completions. Farmer used more than one player at quarterback to allow Benjamin the opportunity to concentrate on playing in the defensive secondary since Westminster was throwing the football so much.

“I liked the team effort,” Farmer said. “Our older and younger players contributed. Peter also ran hard. Our line was confused at times because they were facing nine players in the box. We played well though considering the different looks we were getting.”

After Piedmont took an early 8-0 lead, Westminster put together a drive but was turned away deep inside Cougar territory.

“We have a ‘bend but don’t break’ mentality on defense,” Farmer said. “We always talk about making people earn it. They were very close to possibly tying the game. Their no-huddle gave us some problems. We were tired because they ran a lot of plays.”

The Cougars will look to improve to 2-0 within Region 1-AA this Friday when they host Central Fellowship. While this week’s opponent is struggling this season, Farmer said neither he, nor the players or coaches, take any opponent lightly.

“We prepare for every opponent the same way,” Farmer said.

“We always go about our business the same way. We will continue preparing like we always do.”

Farmer said Central Fellowship showed a split back veer formation early this season. However, injuries have taken a toll on the program.

“They are down on their luck but we are not overlooking them,” the Piedmont coach said. “There is too much on the line with each region game.”

NOTES: While Friday’s game will be played at Cougar Field, it is technically a home game for Central Fellowship, who does not have its own field. Central Fellowship will keep the gate receipts and provide admission workers. Cougar Club passes will not be honored, school officials said.

Piedmont has outscored its opponents 271-66 through five games this season.

Stats vs Westminster

Offensive

•Peter Lawson, 16 carries for 182 yards and 1 TD

•Zach Benjamin, 9 carries for 86 yards and 1 TD; 2-for-2 passing for 56 yards, 2 TD passes (throws of 55, 1)

•Nick Dimsdale, 9 carries for 82 yards and 2 TDs; 2 receptions for 70 yards (1 TD, 55-yard catch)

•Gaven Edge, 2 carries for 11 yards

•Hunter Knox, 1 carry for 4 yards, 1-for 1-passing for 1 yard

•Zach Beggs, 1-for-2 passing for 15 yards

•Hank Strickland, 2 carries for 1 yard

•Bobby Mitchell, 1 reception for 1 yard (TD)

•Seth Harvey, 2-for 3-on PATs

Defensive Stats

•Peter Lawson, 3 assists

•Hunter Clark, 1 assist and 1 pass break up

•Hank Strickland, 3 assists and 1 pass break up

•Britton Bailey, 1 assist

•Nick Dimsdale, 1 pass break up and 2 solos

•Mills Smith, 2 assists

•Evan Harvey, 1 solo and 1 assist

•Zach Benjamin, 1 interception, 3 solos, 1 assist and a 26-yard punt return

•Bobby Mitchell, 1 assist

•Hunter Knox, 2 solos, 1 assist and 1 pass break up

•Zach Beggs, 1 assist

•Glade Tuggle, 1 assist

•Gaven Edge, 4 solos (1 tackle for loss, safety) and 3 assists

•Tyler Cullum, 4 solos (1 tackle for loss) and 2 assists

•Payden Cantera, 2 assists and 1 pass break up

•Andrew Wilzman, 1 assist

•Austin Corley, 2 solo and 2 assists

•Seth Harvey, 3 solos (2 of which were QB sacks)

•Jakey Dunagan, 1 solo and 2 assists

•Justin Wilson, 2 assists and 1 pass break up

•Josh Hempel, 1 assist

•Luke Andrew, 1 assist

•Chase Olson, 1 assist

•McKenzie Brittain, 1 assist

•Hunter Pope, 1 assist

•Zach Whitwell, 1 assist