By Trey Hunter
Sports Editor
It’s dead period for all Piedmont sports, including the football team.
However, the Wildcats’ schedule has been released, featuring the same opponents from last year, but with a different feel. Maybe it’s the new coach and his new philosophies. Or maybe after reaching the playoffs last year, Piedmont will be looked at as a fierce opponent and not a walkover.
The Wildcats open against Canadian County rival El Reno in Week 1. The Indians travel to F&M Bank Stadium on Sept. 6 looking to win back-to-back games in the series after a 33-27 win over Piedmont last season.
Following the rivalry game, the Cats will travel west to take on Weatherford in Week 2.
Piedmont will look to make it two in a row against the Eagles after winning 21-10 last year. Noble will round out the Cats’ non-district schedule in Week 3 as Piedmont looks to avenge a 47-7 loss to the Bears last season.
Piedmont opens district play at Guthrie in Week 4. The Blue Jays won 37-9 in last year’s meeting. In Week 5, the Cats will host returning state champion Carl Albert, looking to avenge last year’s 34-7 loss to the Titans. In Week 6 the Cats will host Lawton Ike, a familiar opponent and the right fit for the schedule following two tough games against the Jays and Titans. Piedmont defeated the Eagles, 50-0 last season at home.
A long trip to the panhandle will be in store for Piedmont in Week 7 as they travel to Guymon to take on the Tigers, looking to win again after a 56-6 win last year at home.
Another Class 5A powerhouse awaits the Cats win they return home in Week 8 to take on Bishop McGuinness. Piedmont fell to the Irish last season 32-7 in Oklahoma City.
The Wildcats close out the regular season slate with a pair of winnable games against Northwest Classen at home in Week 9 and at Woodward in Week 10.
Piedmont defeated the Knights 66-7 last year at Taft Stadium before knocking off Woodward 47-28 at F&M Bank Stadium to seal a playoff spot.
If you eye the schedule, a playoff appearance should once again be in the works for new coach Jeff Hall’s squad.
A new philosophy and change of pace is in store for fans and players and another successful season should be penciled in.
