By Trey Hunter
Sports Editor
The Wildcats could strap themselves into the driver’s seat tonight at F&M Bank Stadium.
Piedmont (6-1, 4-0) hosts Bishop McGuinness (6-1, 4-0) in arguably the biggest game in Class 5A this season and one that could ultimately decide District 5A-2.. The Cats have already knocked off Carl Albert and Guthrie, two of the district’s three powerhouses, and look for the sweep against the Irish. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
STORYLINES
SEASON OF FIRSTS: The Wildcats tallied their first win ever at Guthrie’s Jelsma Stadium and knocked off Carl Albert for the first time, handing the Titans their first loss in 40 games. They have burst on to the scene under first-year coach Jeff Hall and are in position to win the District 5A-2 title – another first for the program.
RUNNING WILD: It’s clear what Piedmont and McGuinness want to do offensively: run the ball. The Cats are averaging 309 yards per game on the ground, led by senior Davontae Pickard who has totaled 824 yards and eight touchdowns. McGuinness running back and TCU-commit Dominic Richardson leads a potent rushing attack as well. He has rushed for 1,000 of his team’s 1,634 yards this year along with 10 touchdowns.
BEST DEFENSE IN THE STATE?: Piedmont is allowing just 152 yards and 11 points per game so far this season. The Cats held both Guthrie and Carl Albert under 200 total yards and have allowed more than 100 yards passing just twice. They gave up a total of 25 points combined to Noble, Guthrie, Carl Albert and Guymon and look to stay hot against an Irish offense averaging 47 points per game.
WHO TO WATCH
Davantae Pickard: Pickard is averaging 118 yards and one touchdown per game as Piedmont’s rushing leader.
Dominic Richardson: The McGuinness tailback is one of the state’s top athletes, averaging 143 yards rushing with 14 total touchdowns.
Dylan Hampton: Piedmont’s offense relies on Hampton’s IQ, rushing ability and sometimes his arm. He has rushed for 149 yards and passed for 408 and has yet to throw an interception.
Luke Tarman: Tarman is averaging 8.9 yards per carry so far this season for McGuinness. He also has four rushing touchdowns and one touchdown reception.
Bo Hardy: Piedmont’s defensive leader has been a force for the Wildcats at linebacker. He has also rushed for 208 yards and two touchdowns.
