Pigskin Roundup 2016 | Page 67

PIEDMONT BULLDOGS Class, Region: Class 3A, Region 5 Head Coach: Steve Smith 2015 Record: 14-1 2015 Playoffs: Won the Class 3A State Championship with a 44-7 win over Bayside Academy in Tuscaloosa 2015 Rewind: The Bulldogs claimed the second football state title in school history, winning the Class 3A, Region 6 title along the way. Piedmont’s only loss was on the road at 4A state champion Leeds. Key Losses: There were some valuable players lost off the state championship team. Pigskin Roundup All-Stars RB Darnell Jackson, LB Deonta Alexander, and WR Bailey Blanchard have now moved on the college ranks. Players to Watch: There are still standout players coming back for this Piedmont team in 2016. Pigskin Roundup All-Stars and All-Staters QB Taylor Hayes, DE Chase Bobbitt, and OL Krae Keener lead the defending 3A champs into 2016. In addition to Keener, every other starting lineman returns as well-Mason Langley, Javian Woods, Cole Chasteen, and Blake Headrick. Cardavian Myers will head up the secondary and will be a part of the running back rotation as well. Easton Kirk returns as the punter and placekicker. Other names to watch include DL Logan Beedles, LBs Logan Smith and Austin Brazier, and DBs Coby McFry and Kaedon Jenkins. Austin Brazier Linebacker 2016 Roundup: Piedmont lost only 10 seniors off last year’s championship team, but that includes two running backs and three receivers. The Bulldogs return six starters on offense and 7 on defense. That includes the entire offensive line, most of the defensive front, and an AllState quarterback. On the defensive side Piedmont returns experienced players at every position. Head Coach Steve Smith’s biggest concern is how quickly the younger skill players can develop and come along. All of the pieces are in place for Piedmont to make a run at Auburn and another state championship, and the Bulldogs will certainly be the favorite again. Did You Know? Steve Smith is the winningest coach in Piedmont history. Smith has won 108 games with just 23 losses in his time at PHS. Smith is the 25th coach in Bulldog history dating back to their first season of play in 1924. leading the way for lasting change. Your gift gives hope. hope brings change. please give. United Way of east Central alabama www.uweca.org changE starts hErE 2016 Pigskin Roundup the Magazine | 65