Cougars Post Homecoming Win
The Piedmont Academy football team got back on the winning track last Friday with a 26-14 victory against Griffin Christian.
The win pushed the Cougars back over the .500 mark at 3-2 with what could be termed the ultimate test coming up this Friday. The homecoming victory last week, however, was one in which Piedmont coach Rhett Farmer took many positives from.
“We came out and took care of business from the start,” the coach said. “That was something that was disappointing the previous week (against Pinecrest) when we didn’t start off with the necessary intensity.”
Blake Hammock rushed for 128 yards on 16 carries against Griffin Christian, adding an 86-yard kickoff return for a score.
Fullback Dakota Collins also had 52 yards on the ground on eight carries with two scores as well as a reception for 16 yards. Collins’ scoring runs were from 15 and 4 yards out.
Leading up to the contest, Farmer and the Cougar coaches put the Piedmont players through several tough practice sessions.
“We are trying to get more sets in and the kids were more focused,” the coach said.
“Practice was spirited during the week. It’s something you have to do. You have to get after it in practice and I think it helped us in how we performed on the field for the game. For us to get where we need to be, we need to be more intense in practice.”
The offensive line drew the praise of the coach. Daniel Leinweber continues to grade out at a high mark and Willy Roberts played well at left guard.
Buddy Morrison had a strong outing at tight end as Farmer noted he was effectively on sweep plays and down blocking.
The Piedmont coach also said Matt Wilson performed well at right tackle.
The performance by Hammock was also impressive in the backfield as the Cougar standout is battling back issues.
Defensively, Austin Mitcham continued his usual stellar effort with four solo tackles and 10 assists. Dylan Collins finished with three solo stops (two for negative yardage) with nine assists.
Dakota Collins added three solo tackles (two for losses) and seven assists. Wilson also had three solo stops and two assists.
Piedmont faces what will be its toughest challenge all season this week when it hosts defending Class AAA state champion Deerfield-Windsor. Farmer said the Knights are still the team to beat this season at the GISA’s highest level.
“We want to use the momentum we built last week and continue to get better,” the coach said. “This game will give us a chance to face the Wing-T offense which we will see against Brentwood in a region game.”
Farmer said the coaching staff will take the same approach with this week’s opponent as it would with any team.
“We expect to compete,” he said. “We have confidence in our kids. They know it’s a tall order. They know each game we play is used to prepare us for region. We will likely try to slow the game down and limit their possessions. We will use more patience sending in our plays and try to keep it out of their hands.”
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Cougar Field.
S
tats vs Griffin Christian
OFFENSE
Peter Lawson: 6 carries for 30 yards, 35-yard kickoff return
Alex Hall: 6 carries for 16 yards; 4-of-6 passing for 50 yards, 1 TD pass
Blake Hammock: 16 carries for 128 yards; 9-yard punt return; 86-yard kickoff return for a touchdown
Zach Benjamin: 2 carries for 6 yards
Austin Mitcham: 1 carry for 15 yards
Buddy Morrison: 3 receptions for 34 yards, 1 TD
Dakota Collins: 8 carries for 52 yards; 2 TDs rushing (15 yd, 4 yd); 1 reception for 16 yards.
Defensive
Peter Lawson: 1 solo and 3 assists
Blake Hammock: 1 assist
Austin Mitcham: 4 solos and 10 assists
Buddy Morrison: 7 assists
Zach Benjamin: 3 assists
Dylan Collins: 3 solos (2 for loss) and 9 assists
Rhett Roberts: 3 assists
Sam Cleary: 2 solos and 2 assists
Dakota Collins: 3 solos (2 for loss) and 7 assists
Daniel Leinweber: 4 assists
Jakey Dunagan: 3 assists
Matt Wilson: 3 solos and 2 assists