Piedmont Wildcats Football Preview – Presented by F&M Bank of Piedmont 

PIEDMONT WILDCATS 

Coach: JEFF HALL 

7-4 

OFFENSE 

In the ever-shifting landscape of Oklahoma high school football, Piedmont finds themselves in unchartered territory for the next two seasons, possibly more. Moving into Class 6A-II will offer its own challenges, but head coach Jeff Hall believes it’s an opportunity. “We will be in our first year in 6A-II. We bring back five starters on each side of the ball. We will be relatively inexperienced but make up that with overall athletic ability,” said Hall. One reason for the optimism is the return of Grayson May (6-3, 186, Jr.) who will run the flexbone triple option, which is something many 6A teams don’t see much. May has the wheels to run that offense, but he has help in running back Jayedon Fuston (5-9, 170, Sr.). Fuston is everything you want in a tailback thanks to his ability to move the chains. Fuston is a four-year starter and someone coach Hall calls a, “dynamic and very tough runner to tackle.” The offensive line is one of the strengths coming into the season. Scottie Logan (6-2, 300, Sr.), and Cooper Bunce (6-0, 248, Jr.) are charged with moving people off the ball and making holes in the exciting brand of offense coach Hall will run. The offensive coaching staff includes Kennan Kellett (OC), Chris Dunshie, Dirick Harfield, Jeff Kline, John McRay, and Joe Mitchell. 

DEFENSE 

Five starters are back in the 4-2-5 scheme the Wildcats will utilize this season. Lane Whitworth (6-1, 185, Sr.) is one of the first players you must talk about on the defensive side of the ball. Whitworth is willing to stick his head in there and make tackles. He has a nose for the ball and closing ability when the play is going away from him. Whitworth is joined in the secondary by Ethan Shelton (5-9, 175, Sr.) and Mikah Rocco (5-9, 165, Sr.). Both players will start at a corner spot giving the Wildcats experience on the edge. This will be crucial in the pass-happy class. Pressure up front is another aspect of the defense the Wildcats are hoping they bring to the dance. Jesse Knapp (6-1, 285, Sr.) will put the load on his shoulders and be the guy expected to play on the opposite side of the line-of-scrimmage. Knapp will help younger players mature into their roles up front. Gregory Owen (5-10, 190, Jr.) starts at linebacker where he continues to improve and show signs of being one of the top LBs in the district. This could be a breakout season for Owen. The coaching staff includes Kenyada Davis (DC), Zach Zeno, Kevin Holman, Brad Heath, Terrance White, and Jon Bakewell. 

8-30 – at Midwest City 

9-5 – at El Reno

9-20 – vs. Norman 

9-27 – vs. Choctaw 

10-4 – at NW Classen

10-11 – vs. US Grant 

10-18 – at Eisenhower 

10-25 – vs. Southmoore 

11-1 – at Stillwater 

11-8 – vs. Putnam City