Staff Reports
PIEDMONT – A lot of high school football coaches have a love-hate relationship with homecoming. Sometimes the festivities during the week distract from the game itself, but nothing could be further from the truth for the Piedmont Bulldogs on Friday night against Pleasant Valley.
The fourth-ranked Bulldogs scored five touchdowns in the first quarter and put things on cruise control in a 56-12 rout of the Raiders.
“You certainly want the kids to enjoy it, but as a coach, you just hold your breath hoping you keep your team focused and ready to play in the game,” Piedmont coach Steve Smith said. “I try to tell them all the time that’s our part of homecoming, to make sure we go out and win the game. It’s a pretty busy week for sure. We’re just glad to get a win and get that taste of losing out of our mouth from last week (at Ohatchee).”
After receiving the opening kickoff, it took Piedmont (6-1, 4-1 Class 3A, Region 5) just two plays to cover 54 yards. Quarterback Jack Hayes connected with Austin Estes on the final 17 for a touchdown. The first of eight Sloan Smith extra points put Piedmont in front 7-0.
Following a Raider punt, Piedmont covered 49 yards in three plays, with Brayden Morgan scoring on a 36-yard touchdown run for a 14-0 Bulldog lead.
On Pleasant Valley’s ensuing possession, Omarion Foster returned an interception 32 yards for a score. With 6:39 to go in the first quarter, Piedmont led 21-0.
Hayes connected with Coleman Reid on a 35-yard touchdown pass for Piedmont’s next touchdown. Hayes capped the first-quarter scoring with a 13-yard touchdown throw to Noah Reedy. He finished the quarter 8-of-9 for 183 yards and three touchdowns before giving way to backup Cole Wilson.
Following a blocked punt by Rhett Alford, Piedmont took over at its own 42-yard line and scored in four plays, capped by Landon Smart’s 1-yard touchdown run. With eight minutes to go in the first half, Piedmont led 42-0.
Wilson threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to Jake Rhinehart to give the Bulldogs a 49-0 lead at halftime.
Wilson, who played the final three quarters, connected on 7-of-10 pass attempts for 104 yards. He connected on his second touchdown to Ishmael Bethel from 29 yards with 4:40 left in the third quarter for a 56-0 advantage.
Pleasant Valley (1-6, 1-4) finally got on the scoreboard on an 84-yard touchdown run by Dalton Haynes with 4:04 remaining in the third quarter. The Raiders other score came on a 3-yard touchdown run with 3:39 to go in the game for the final.
Dontavious Jordan led Piedmont’s rushers with 21 carries for 143 yards. Reid caught four passes for 129 yards and a touchdown. Bethel had five catches for 78 yards and a touchdown.
Rhinehart and Javion Vanderford led the Bulldog defense with eight tackles apiece.
Piedmont travels to Hokes Bluff on Friday. Pleasant Valley hosts Ohatchee.