By Trey Hunter
Sports Editor
The Wildcats face their toughest challenge of the season tonight at F&M Bank Stadium.
Piedmont (3-1, 1-0) hosts three-time defending state champion Carl Albert (4-0, 1-0), who comes in having won 40 straight games, including a 63-0 stomping of Guymon last week. The Titans knocked off three Class 6A in the non-district weeks, including Midwest City, Del City and Shawnee.
The Wildcats come in riding the momentum of a three-game winning streak after a Week 1 loss to El Reno, including victories over Class 4A Weatherford, Noble and a 49-7 district-win at Guthrie last week.
Carl Albert won last year’s match up 34-7. Piedmont stayed within two scores for over 30 minutes before a big second half by the Titans. Senior Bo Hardy scored the team’s lone touchdown on a 10-yard run in the first quarter.
WHO TO WATCH – CARL ALBERT
Ben Harris (QB): Harris has passed for 639 yards with eight touchdowns and just one interception so far this season. He has rushed for one score.
Javion Hunt (RB): Hunt has rushed for 340 yards on 55 carries this season with nine scores on the ground and one touchdown reception. He has even thrown a touchdown pass.
Jayveion Traylor (WR): Traylor has caught 10 passes for 224 yards and three touchdowns, establishing himself as one of Harris’ top targets.
Titans Defense: Carl Albert has allowed 804 yards this season, including 407 on the ground and 397 through the air. The Titans have given up just 32 points through four games.
WHO TO WATCH – PIEDMONT
Dylan Hampton (Sr. – QB): Hampton has got it done through the air and on the ground during Piedmont’s win streak. He has gone 7-for-10 for 195 yards passing over the last three weeks with four touchdowns last week at Guthrie. He rushed for 102 yards and two scores during that span.
Davontae Pickard (Sr. – RB): Pickard has rushed for 392 yards and three scores on 59 carries over the last three weeks, establishing himself as Piedmont’s top workhorse back.
Colby Matlock (Sr. – RB): Matlock has proven to be Piedmont’s top play-making back. He has rushed for 220 yards over the last three weeks and has broken off runs of 74, 40 and 47 yards in wins over Noble and Guthrie the last two weeks.
Wildcats Defense: Piedmont has allowed 988 yards this season, including 510 passing and 478 on the ground. The Cats have also forced eight turnovers through four weeks and have allowed 51 points. They held Guthrie to just 178 yards last week.
The Wildcats and Titans are scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m.
