By Blake Colston
Sports Editor
It’s time for the playoff push.
As Piedmont polished off a win over Guthrie in its regular season finale Tuesday evening at F&M Bank Stadium, it might’ve been hard for the players and coaches to keep their minds off what was next.
The Wildcats (11-3, 6-1) finished second in district behind OKC Southeast and will host a first-round playoff game next week. Though the opponent remains to be determined, Duncan or Noble is likely headed to Piedmont.
If Piedmont can get past its first round matchup, the Wildcats will probably face Santa Fe South. Piedmont can’t afford to look that far ahead, however.
Instead, the Wildcats are focused on continuing what’s worked for them all season.
“Possession of the ball and the confidence are key for us,” head coach Jimmy Fermin said. “There is true belief this season and you can see it in the practice and the play. We’re playing some good futbol right now.”
Possession, Fermin said, has been a strength of this team. Their flexibility to play aggressively when the opportunity is there has made PHS successful.
“We do love possession-based soccer,” he said, “but we say possession with a purpose. I want to be flexible enough to attack when the other team gives us a chance.”
Before Tuesday’s game with Guthrie, sophomore Ismael Reyes and junior Ethan Bredy shared the team-lead for goals scored with nine apiece. Reyes leads the team with nine assists.
Though that talented duo is out in front statistically, Piedmont has several other capable weapons that have flourished this season as well.
“Our style of play fits our roster perfectly,” Fermin, now in his third season as head coach, said. “We’ve had another year to build trust with the boys and that has paid off.”
The Wildcats hope the added experience pays off with a deep playoff run.
“They’re very capable of it. We’ve shown spectacular play in parts of every game and it’s up to the boys on what they want to do from here,” Fermin said.
