Nov. 23, 2009

Piedmont wins 63-35, sets up rematch with Leeds

By Roy Mitchell

PIEDMONT — For Friday's state quarterfinal playoff game, several Piedmont players subtly sported a Bible verse on their body. For a few, it was written on no-glare strips under their eyes. On another, it was etched down both arms with a black marker.
“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me,” reads Philippians 4:13.
 
Tasked with tackling Region 7 champion Hamilton (11-1), whose offense averaged 37 points a game this season, Piedmont players figured a little divine intervention on behalf of their defense couldn't hurt.

Instead, it was Piedmont's offensive attack that shined in an impressive 63-35 victory. Appropriately, the Piedmont offense was led by a young man named Christian – senior Christian Cantrell, who rushed for 204 yards on the night.

Before the kickoff, fireworks thrilled fans from behind the south end zone. Once the game got underway, fireworks of a different variety continued throughout the contest. The team combined for nearly 1,000 yards of offense and almost a hundred points, including 14 touchdowns.

Wearing gold from head-to-toe for the first time since 1979, Piedmont scored its first 28 points on three Cantrell rushes and a 20-yard catch by Noah Willis. The Aggies, though, kept pace throughout the first half, capitalizing on the talents of freshman quarterback Mitch Stults and receiver Corey Frederick.

With 1:45 remaining in the first half, the Bulldogs nursed a 27-21 lead when a key defensive change prompted a momentum swing from which Hamilton never recovered.

“Coach Blanchard made a good adjustment with our defense. We decided we'd have to play some zone,” Piedmont coach Steve Smith said. “That was probably the biggest thing that we did differently.”

As a result, the next four Hamilton drives ended on Piedmont interceptions; on offense, the Bulldogs reeled off 29 unanswered points.

Junior Jamaal Johnson had two of the Bulldogs' INTs.

“He does an outstanding job of just reading the quarterback's eyes and what the quarterback's trying to do,” Smith said.

Cantrell and sophomore Dalton Riffey joined the “pick party” on Hamilton's first two third quarter possessions. Piedmont scores came on a 56-yard dash by Childers, a 49-yard reception by senior Tay Holloway, and Riffey's return from 31 yards out.

Hamilton (11-2) scored twice more on passes by Stults, but the game was already out of reach. Piedmont (11-2) wrapped up the scoring with 5-yard run by freshman Jamie Major.

Shortly after a post-game prayer at midfield, word spread that Region 5 foe Leeds had just won its playoff game, setting up a rematch. Back in week eight, Piedmont failed on a late two-point conversion and lost, 14-13.

Last year Leeds eliminated Piedmont in the quarterfinals and went on to win the Class 3A state championship.

“To be the best, you've got to beat the best,” Smith said. “We've got our chance next week. It's winner-take-all for a chance to go to Tuscaloosa. You couldn't ask for anything more.”

Friday night's game will be played at Leeds, near Birmingham. The winner will play in Tuscaloosa on Dec. 3 against the winner of Cordova vs. Luverne.