By Blake Colston
Sports Editor
Piedmont and El Reno renew pleasantries Friday night in another edition of an emerging rivalry that has produced some exciting, competitive games in recent seasons. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at F&M Bank Stadium.
“It’s gotten bigger every year and it’s gone back and forth. It should be a fun one,” Piedmont coach Jeff Hall said of the Canadian County Clash.
Both teams are 0-1 after one-possession ‘Zero Week’ losses. The only thing worse than starting 0-1 would be going 0-2.
“This week this is our Super Bowl. We want to go 1-0 every week,” Hall said. “We want our kids to understand how important that is for us.”
After reviewing the film from Piedmont’s loss at Noble, Hall said the Wildcats’ defense played particularly well. They limited an explosive Noble offense to only 12 points and harassed opposing quarterback Colin Fisher all game with a strong pass rush.
“That’s the strength from last Friday,” he said.
Offensively, turnovers and penalties hampered PHS throughout the Noble game. Hall said the coaching staff stressed ball security in practice this week after two costly fumbles played a major factor last week.
“It’s hard to win games with turnovers. That was our point of emphasis this week,” he said.
Chickasha edged El Reno 20-14 in a game that was neck-and-neck for four quarters.
“They’re a good football team,” Hall said. The coach noted the size and strength of the Indians’ offensive line, which is a leading factor in the Indians’ success running the ball. They’re the key behind El Reno’s offense, which Hall said is ‘close to a true single wing.’ That means there will likely be plenty of action between the tackles Friday evening.
“With their offense and ours running the ball so much, it could be a short game,” Hall said. “Physicality will be important on both sides of the ball.”
Last season’s scheduled meeting between the two teams was canceled due to COVID-19 issues within El Reno’s program.
In 2020, Piedmont beat El Reno 31-7 during the regular season, but the Indians got revenge with a 41-14 victory in the Class 5A playoffs.
PHS beat El Reno 24-21 in the opening round of the playoffs in 2019 after losing the regular season matchup 13-7.
A Wildcat to watch: Running back, Jacob Anglin
Anglin found some open space at Noble, finishing with 42 yards rushing on only six carries. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound senior has a nice blend of speed, size and elusiveness and looks primed to make some big plays vs. El Reno.
