Six Cougars Named to All State

A memorable campaign capped by a state championship has helped lead to postseason honors for members of the Piedmont Academy football team.

Ten players were named All-Region while six were selected for All-State. Head coach Rhett Farmer announced the selections Sunday.
Dakota Collins, Dylan Collins, Blake Hammock, Alex Hall, Peter Lawson and Jakey Dunagan were each named All-State for their roles in helping lead the Cougars to a perfect 13-0 season and the first state football championship in school history. All six were named All-Region as well along with Rhett Roberts, Seth Harvey, Austin Corley and Daniel Leinweber.

While Farmer was pleased for each player who was honored, the second-year Piedmont coach said additional deserving team members were left off.

“We had some great players who didn’t even make All-Region,” Farmer said. “The selection is not done by position. We had players who were worthy of both teams who didn’t get picked.”

The Piedmont coach said players such as Sam Cleary, Zach Benjamin, Garrett Richardson and Justin Wilson were also worthy of postseason honors.
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“Sam had six interceptions this season and made some big plays for us in the state championship game,” Farmer said. “Zach was our cornerback who always covered our opponent’s best receiver. Linemen often get overlooked and that’s what happened with Garrett and Justin.”

While disappointed in the fact more of his team members did not get recognized, Farmer said 2010 would long be remembered as a special season.

“It will be so because we had so many kids play key roles,” the coach said. “That’s why we were so good. We had all the pieces. We had players step up across the board. Many of our players were unproven going in but came through in big ways.”
Playing hurt was also a trademark of the members of the state championship team.

“Daniel, Austin and Garrett played with a lot of pain at times,” Farmer said.
The coach is still amazed at the improvement shown throughout the season by the team’s defense.
“We had 20 interceptions,” Farmer said. “I am thrilled with how our defense continued to get better, better and better. In the third game against Briarwood, they ran all over us.”

Seeing players — such as Harvey — improve throughout the season was also a memorable aspect of 2010 for the coach.
“It was fun and it was special,” Farmer said. “A lot of people sacrificed to make this happen. We were a team. I am proud of how unselfish our players were in making this happen.”
NOTES: The football awards banquet is tentatively set for Jan. 19.
Blake Hammock and Rhett Roberts played in the GISA All-Star football game Saturday in Macon.

Piedmont Academy is holding a silent auction for state championship memorabilia. Items to be auctioned include footballs used in the state championship game signed by players and coaches, a number 10 jersey signifying the 2010 season and a helmet. Proceeds will help with the purchase of state championship rings. More information will be released in coming days.