By Blake Colston
Sports Editor
Canadian County football fans are in luck.
Piedmont head coach Jeff Hall confirmed on Monday that the Piedmont-El Reno football series will continue even after PHS leaves Class 5A.
So, high school’s version of conference realignment is going to spare one of the state’s newest but most exciting rivalries, at least for two more seasons.
This year’s Canadian County Clash kicks off Thursday night at 7 inside El Reno’s Memorial Stadium, and there could be some fireworks in store. Both the Wildcats and Indians looked like juggernauts last Friday, making quick work of their “zero week” opponents, with El Reno rolling past Chickasha 64-24 and PHS dispatching Noble, 52-26.
If you’re looking for spread passing attacks, this game will not suit you. Piedmont’s run-heavy flexbone and El Reno’s old school, single wing rushing attack are predicated on running the ball and then running the ball some more.
“They use a ton of misdirection trying to hide the football from you. They want you to chase ghosts,” Hall said of El Reno’s deceptive offense. “Defensively, they’re really fast and physical.”
Piedmont’s running game will not be easily outdone. The Wildcats racked up more than 500 yards on the ground vs. Noble, with Cannon Wood and Tyson Benford each topping 100 yards. A third back, Reid Smith, rushed nine times for 77 yards.
“The three fullbacks we have in this offense, all three can run through arm tackles, all three can make you miss and all three can outrun you to the end zone,” Hall said. “I feel really good about the depth we’ve established.”
Including postseason games, this will be the seventh meeting between the two teams in the last five seasons. Piedmont is 4-2 in the previous six, with the all-time series record in favor of the Wildcats, 5-4, dating back to 2016.
Last year’s matchup was no contest as Piedmont rolled to a 42-8 victory at F&M Bank Stadium, but after losing five of six to start the 2022 season, the Indians won five of their last six to qualify for the playoffs in head coach Russell Cook’s first season.
“You could see as the year went on that it was a different El Reno team that played in the playoffs. They looked much more confident in what they were doing, and it’s the same way this year. They look very confident.
“It’s going to be a battle Thursday night,” Hall said.
