October 8th, 2007
Re: Piedmont wins 3rd game in a row with stout Defense & incredible last second FG!
On Piedmont High’s homecoming vs. a big and strong Oakland High football team on Friday night, October 5th at Witter Field in Piedmont, CA; the Piedmont Highlanders fought their way to victory until 1.5 seconds were left in the game, as Jordan Remer’s 32-yard field goal split the uprights for the Piedmont win, 17 – 14.
“Oakland was big, fast and physical all night long,” explained Piedmont Head Coach, Kurt Bryan, “it was like a classic Heavyweight boxing match. They were hitting us hard all night and we kept trading blows with them until the last play of the game. At halftime with the score tied 7 – 7, we told our players in the locker room that this game was going to come down to the last play of the night, so mentally prepare for it now.”
Piedmont’s stout defense allowed only 185 yards of total offense by Oakland and one touchdown, while Oakland scored their other touchdown on a blocked punt at the end of the first half.
Piedmont’s A-11 Offense (featuring all eleven players potentially eligible and two QB’s in a shotgun formation) opened the scoring with a 38-yard scoring pass from QB Jeremy George to wide receiver, Joey Andrada to take a 7 – 0 lead. Penalties hurt Piedmont’s offense throughout the night, negating several big gains by its offense. “Now, at the halfway point of the season with a 3 – 2 record and 1 – 0 in league play, we need to clean up our execution a little bit more.” Said Bryan.
In the 3rd quarter, George scampered 13 yards up the middle for a score and the Highlanders lead 14 – 7. However, Oakland tied the game in the 4th quarter, 14 – 14 on a nice touchdown pass, and the final stage was set for Piedmont’t dramatic win.
Piedmont defensive back, Devin Brown intercepted an Oakland pass, and with only 32 seconds left in the game and the ball on their own 17 – yard line, Piedmont began its winning drive. On its first play from scrimmage, George found Brown at midfield for a 39 – yard gain on a deep crossing pass play. On the next play, George rolled to his right and hit Joey Andrada with a 15 – yard out. With only 13 seconds remaining in the game and the ball on Oakland’s 30-yard line, George executed a quarterback draw to perfection and raced to the 15-yard line. The Highlanders called their last time out with 5 seconds on the clock, and Jordan Remer’s 32-yard game winning field goal set off a delirious celebration at Witter Field in front of the hometown crowd.
“It was the most dramatic win I have ever been a part of,” said Bryan, “truly amazing!”
Piedmont continues BSAL play and will host Albany, October 12th at 7:00PM at Witter Field.
