By Blake Colston
Sports Editor
Piedmont travels to Blanchard Friday night for a matchup against one of Class 4A’s top programs. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
The Lions (0-1) last week opened their season with a 34-27 loss to Noble. The Wildcats (1-1) hammered El Reno 42-8 after a zero week loss at Noble.
Although PHS would love to cruise to an easy win, there’s a good chance Friday’s game will be decided in the fourth quarter, and if history is any indication, that’s a good thing for the Wildcats.
Since head coach Jeff Hall and his staff took over in Piedmont prior to the 2019 season, the Wildcats are 6-3 in games decided by 10 points or less. Hall said preparation and the right mindset has played a key role in his team’s success in tight games.
“I think our kids are pretty selfless. They don’t care who gets the credit and the coaching staff prepares them for what they’re going to see every week,” he said. “We just have to make sure our kids know it’s one play at a time. For us, it’s just about that.”
Piedmont’s run-heavy offense can drain the clock and limit possessions for both teams, which, generally, creates more games decided by two scores or less. Hall said ‘it’s less stressful’ to win games going away, but maybe not always as beneficial in the long run.
“I think there’s some merit to the fact that playing close games prepares you for playoff games,” he said.
PHS has a common opponent with Blanchard – Noble – to compare scores against. Noble beat the Lions and Wildcats, but both were one score games, so PHS and Blanchard appear evenly matched.
SCOUTING BLANCHARD
Blanchard quarterback Carson Cooksey is the catalyst for the Lions with receiver Jaxon Laminack serving as his top target. Piedmont could have a size and strength advantage along the line of scrimmage, but it won’t be easy to push around Blanchard.
WILDCAT TO WATCH: Jayden Fuston
Fuston, a sophomore, was electric in Piedmont’s win over El Reno. At 5-foot-9 and 165 pounds, Fuston has game-changing speed and elusiveness in the open field, which makes him a threat as a runner and as a receiver.
Fuston totaled more than 100 total yards last week and will quickly move up other teams’ scouting reports, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be able to slow him down.
