By Blake Colston
Sports Editor
Death, taxes and Brogan Hardy making double-digit tackles on Friday night. Three things that are simply unavoidable.
Though Piedmont’s middle linebacker might be lesser known than the first two, he’s quickly making a name for himself on the Oklahoma high school football scene. A 230-tackle season like Hardy had as a junior will catch people’s attention, and Hardy has dished out more punishment to opposing offenses early this season. In three games, Hardy has 28 tackles, 18 solo, with two tackles-for-loss and one pass breakup.
The PHS football program’s stat-keeping was hit-and-miss before head coach Jeff Hall took over in 2019, but the 6-foot-2, 230-pound senior is unofficially, at least, on his way to breaking the school record for tackles. Hardy most likely already set the single-season mark last season.
“I don’t know that I’ve ever coached a player like him,” Hall said.
A four-year starter, Hardy isn’t exactly sure of the origin of his natural ability to hogtie running backs, receivers, tight ends and quarterbacks that try to make him miss, but he credits good fundamentals, like taking proper angles to the ball and staying low. Being a two-sport athlete has helped, too.
“Some of it probably comes from wrestling,” said the three-time state qualifier. “It transfers over to the football field.”
Hardy can bench press 305 pounds. That kind of raw power probably is a benefit.
“He’s incredibly strong,” Hall said. “If he gets a hand on you, I haven’t seen many people get away.”
Hardy has made copious amounts of tackles without 100% health, believe it or not. He dealt each of the last two seasons with a lingering hamstring issue that limited his ability to roam sideline-to-sideline. So far, it hasn’t bothered him much in 2023.
“His mobility is better than ever,” Hall said.
That’s bad for opposing ball carriers, but it’s excellent news for a Piedmont program with sky-high expectations following a run to the 5A quarterfinals in 2022. Next up for the unbeaten Wildcats is a home game Friday night vs. Duncan (0-2). The Demons’ offense will need to be aware of where Piedmont’s devilish tackler is at all times.
“He can take the other team out of their playbook,” Hall said.
College coaches have taken notice of Hardy’s production. He has a scholarship offer from the University of Central Oklahoma, and the University of Tulsa and Central Arkansas have also been in contact, though they have not offered, yet.
“Some of the schools think I can gain enough weight to play defensive line,” Hardy said.
That’s not Hardy’s focus right now, though.
“I really think this is our best shot in school history to win a state title,” he said. “We’re done with the first and second round playoff exits.”
Bringing home Piedmont’s first gold ball would be extra-special for Hardy given his family’s long-time allegiance to the town and school. His mom, Janea, works for the district and both of his older siblings – sister Kasidi (volleyball) and brother Bo (football and wrestling) – were athletes at Piedmont.
“I grew up going to the games dreaming of being out there one day,” he said.
“He’s a Piedmont kid through and through,” Hall added, “he’s smart, he works hard, and he’s disciplined. He’s a great football player and a better person.”
