Cougars Fall to Nathanael Greene
In a season opener which was highlighted by plenty of offense by both teams, the Piedmont Academy football team dropped a 34-28 decision on the road against Nathanael Greene last Friday.
Coach Danny Camp’s team got a 207-yard rushing performance from Lance Richardson, but fell just a little short overall at the end. Richardson also found the end zone on each of the Cougars’ four touchdowns.
“It was a great high school football game,” Camp said. “It was well played by both teams. We had opportunities to win the game. We have to cut down on turnovers and learn to take advantage of turnovers by our opponent.”
Piedmont had a chance to perhaps win the contest late in the fourth quarter after having a first and goal at the Nathanael Greene 7-yard line.
Despite being close, the Cougars couldn’t punch the football in the end zone for what could have been the deciding score.
Camp’s team was also hurt by two first half turnovers which lead to two Patriot scores. In addition, Piedmont had a 75-yard touchdown reception called back on a holding call.
The Cougars still compiled 350 yards of offense in the opener.
Nathanael Greene led 28-13 at halftime using its double wing offense, the same offensive formation used by Piedmont. The Cougars would rally to tie the game at 28 before the host Patriots regained the lead on a 60-yard run early in the fourth quarter.
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After stopping Piedmont on its ensuing possession, Nathanael Greene took over with approximately 10 minutes left in the contest. The Patriots would convert twice on fourth down, but eventually were forced to punt. A mishandled snap allowed Piedmont to take over with good field position.
Christopher Hornibrook later took the football to the 7-yard line for the Cougars but Piedmont was unable to cash in.
“I was glad to see the way we fought back,” Camp said. “Last year when we trailed at halftime, we didn’t always respond. This time we made some adjustments and the kids made some plays.”
Camp said the last two games with Nathanael Greene have gone down to the wire. A year ago, the Cougars stopped the Patriots from scoring late in the contest to hold on for the win.
“You hate to lose, but the goals we’ve set won’t be changed by this game,” Camp said. “I am proud of our effort. We fought tooth and nail. It was a game where someone who deserved to win was going to be left with the short end of the stick. We had a lot of positives. We showed we can move the football and I learned a lot about our team’s character Friday night.”
In addition to Richardson’s big night, Hornibrook finished with 52 yards on eight carries while Justin Atkins added 42 yards on 12 attempts.
Helping clear the way up front for the offense were center Ben Cleary, guards Jake Landress and Charlie Needham, tackles Randy Reagin and Andrew Stevenson and tight ends Whit Morgan and Joey Schroeder.
Cleary drew the praise of the coaching staff for moving to center with only a week’s preparation. Piedmont’s first two centers were out with injuries meaning Cleary, who normally lines up at tight end, had to step in.
Tyler Landress was 2-for-2 on extra point attempts. The sophomore is in his first season of playing football.
“Tyler is a good athlete who has always played soccer,” Camp said of his kicker. “He has a good leg and will only get stronger.”
Defensively, sophomore corner-back Kale Blackshear had an interception.
“Nathanael Greene is always tough and scrappy and will be one of the top contenders in Class A this year,” Camp said.
Piedmont has been preparing this week for its home opener against Central Fellowship, which will be played this Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Cougar Field. A Class AAA school, Central will present a tough challenge for his Cougars, Camp said.
“We will have to hunker down,” said the coach. “They are going to be in a passing formation at least 80 percent of the time. They will be a little different from what we normally see each week. We will have to put pressure on the quarterback and know our coverages.”
While Central Fellowship is still trying to establish a successful program, Camp says his team will face a strong challenge.
“It will be a tough game,” the coach said. “They will come in here hungry for a win.