The Piedmont High School boys football team burst into the win column in a big way on Sept. 12, hammering Berean Christian at Witter Field, 45-12.
The Highlanders jumped out right from the beginning with Matias Seelenberger recovering his own onside kick on the opening kickoff. It’s the second time in two weeks that Seelenberger recovered his own kick.
Piedmont went 50 yards on five plays with Xavier Henderson running the ball in from the 10-yard line. That was the first of four touchdowns scored by Henderson on the night, three rushing and one receiving.
“He’s one of the few kids in our football program that grew up playing football,” Highlanders coach Jordan Seiden said. “Football is second nature to him. He has been playing since he was 5 or 6. The instincts and the IQ as much as anything is crucial.”
Piedmont (1-2) recovered the kickoff again as Jason Shum fell on the ball at the Eagles 31 after Seelenberger launched a pop fly kick. But the Highlanders were unable to cash it in, turning the ball over on downs.
Berean Christian punted off of its possession and Piedmont then went on a seven-play, 64-yard drive to another touchdown. This time it was Jimmy Lagios passing to Henderson for an 18-yard score.
The Eagles (1-1) responded with a nice 82-yard touchdown drive with Christian Smith throwing a 33-yard scoring pass to Gabriel Andrucko. But that would be it until the fourth quarter for Berean Christian. Piedmont’s defense held the Eagles to just 139 yards on 45 offensive plays, forcing three turnovers along the way.
“We made some changes during the week,” Seiden said. “Personnel and how we would play people.”
Henderson scored on a 13-yard run in the second quarter to make it 21-6. Near the end of the half, Lagios connected on a 16-yard scoring pass to Jack Meyjes and it was 28-6 at the break.
Henderson scored on a one-yard run in the third quarter but he cramped up a bit in the second half and concentrated on defense. He was all over the field all night, racking up six solo and one assisted tackle with three tackles for loss including two sacks. He also forced a fumble.
“On defense he was a menace,” Seiden said.
Seelenberger kicked a 38-yard field goal to make it 38-6 entering the fourth quarter. Smith scored on a nine-yard run for Berean Christian. Rehan Mumtaz scored the final touchdown for the Highlanders on a 30-yard run. Mumtaz led Piedmont with 82 yards rushing on eight carries. Colby Hong ran 11 times for 54 yards. Henderson finished with 36 yards on five rushes. Lagios completed 13 of 23 passes for 153 yards and the two touchdowns against one interception. Henderson caught four passes for 18 yards.
Meggins Lovitt led the Eagles with 34 yards on six carries. Smith was 10 of 19 for 87 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. Andrucko caught five passes for 68 yards.
Piedmont will play at Aragon on Sept. 19 at 7 p.m.