By Blake Colston
Sports Editor
Piedmont makes its fourth straight postseason appearance tonight in Lawton as they face MacArthur in the opening round of the Class 5A playoffs. Here are three keys to the Wildcats pulling an upset of the Highlanders.
Piedmont (5-5, 4-3) at Lawton MacArthur (9-1, 6-1) Cameron Stadium, 7 p.m.
Keep Mac running back Isaiah Gray in check
Gray’s 1,891 rushing yards this season are a single-season record at MacArthur, which is no small feat. The 6-foot, 185-pound senior averages just less than 190 yards per game and he’s dangerous in the open field.
Piedmont can’t expect to completely bottle up Gray, but they can hope to limit gains of more than 20 yards. If the Wildcats can hold Gray to 150 yards or less, they should have a chance to spring an upset. Linebackers Brogan Hardy and Cannon Wood will have their hands full, but they’ve faced similarly talented running backs this season and held their own.
Force two turnovers or more
Forcing turnovers is always a recipe for success, but it’s particularly helpful for a big underdog. Piedmont’s defense has earned its fair share of takeaways this season, including four (two fumbles, two interceptions) last week against Woodward. Forcing one turnover each half, while controlling the ball on offense, could help keep PHS in the game for four quarters.
Hit big plays in the passing game
Piedmont probably won’t throw more than six or seven passes in the game, but the Wildcats want to make them count. The ‘Cats’ passing game has developed over the season and quarterback Josh Mars looks as comfortable as ever when he drops back to throw. Cole Riggs and Kolten Luschen are his favorite targets. Luschen hauled in a 72-yard catch last week.
PREDICTION: MacArthur 35, Piedmont 14
