FIELD OF CHAMPIONS — The last week of the regular season Piedmont rushed for over 500 yards in a victory against Cherokee County. Coming into Friday’s first-round playoff game against Geraldine, Piedmont coach Steve Smith wasn’t surprised at his opponent’s strategy.

“I knew Geraldine had the Cherokee County film from last week, and we didn’t throw the ball very much that game,” Smith said. “Geraldine did what we thought they’d do. They put people up within a couple of yards of the ball and did a lot of stunting. They were kind of bringing the house to stop the run. We threw the ball to slow them down a bit.”

Highlighted by 191 first-half passing yards, Piedmont dominated Geraldine 38-7 Friday night. Senior quarterback Chris Strott and senior receiver Sloan Garner connected on three touchdowns to lead Piedmont to the second round of the 3A state playoffs.

Geraldine, clad in white jerseys and purple pants, took the game’s opening kickoff. The visiting Bulldogs tallied a first down but were soon forced to punt into the cold November night.

Piedmont, sporting home blue jerseys over white pants, took over. Three minutes, seven plays, and 75 yards later the home ‘Dogs had scored. Garner’s 17-yard screen pass reception and run, along with junior Dillon Terry’s extra point, put Piedmont up 7-0.

Geraldine’s next possession went nowhere, and the Piedmont express took over again.

After a seven-play, 72-yard drive Garner closed out the first quarter scoring with a 17-yard touchdown grab across the middle. After Terry’s PAT, Piedmont led 14-0.

Geraldine only completed two passes while tossing just as many interceptions. The first of those misconnections came on Geraldine’s next possession. Piedmont senior Landon Pruitt’s catch-and-run gave Piedmont the ball on the Geraldine 19 as the quarter ended.

On the first play of the second quarter, freshman Dreke Thompson scampered untouched off left tackle for the score. Terry’s kick stretched Piedmont’s lead to 21-0.

Once again Piedmont’s defense held, and Geraldine punted.

Strott wasted no time in converting the Bulldogs’ fourth consecutive touchdown with a one-play drive. Garner’s 71-yard catch and sprint past the Geraldine secondary widened the Piedmont lead to 28-0. Garner would tally 105 yards on three receptions.

Geraldine took the ensuing kickoff and drove into Piedmont territory. Near the 40-yard line they faced yet another fourth down. Opting for a fake punt, the errant pass was picked off by junior Cade Bradley and returned 63 yards down the left sideline for the touchdown. Another extra point totaled 35-0 for the home team.

Late in the half Piedmont drove again. With the clock running out, they had to settle for a field goal. Terry’s 23-yard boot ended the half with Piedmont leading 38-0.

Despite a blocked punt by junior Haden Downey, Piedmont played the second half conservatively. Without attempting a single second-half pass, Piedmont’s reserve backs mostly rushed into the middle of the line of scrimmage. Neither team scored in the third quarter.

Geraldine’s highlight of the night came when junior back Michael Davis rushed around right end 38 yards for a score in the middle of the fourth. Senior Zach Abernathy’s kick tallied the night’s final point. As the final horn sounded, the scoreboard favored Piedmont 38-7.

Coach Smith was quick to point out how blessed he feels he and his team have been this season.

“I’m lucky enough to be the head coach of a talented group in a great community,” Smith said. “We have by far the best group of fans I’ve ever seen. They turn out in huge numbers every week, at home or on the road. They decorate the place up. They’re loud. As these playoffs continue to advance, we know that support is going to get larger and larger. They really give us a lot of energy to feed off of. We really enjoy playing in front of them.”

Piedmont (11-0), the No. 1-ranked team in Class 3A, advances to the second round of the state playoffs and will host another group of Bulldogs this week.

Sheffield finished the regular season with an 8-2 record and second place in Region 3. Sheffield defeated Cordova 38-14 in last week’s round one matchup.