Boys football back on track after slow start
The Piedmont High School boys football team has righted the ship after an 0-2 start, defeating host Aragon 36-16 on September 19 for its second consecutive victory.
“Wins are always good,” Highlanders coach Jordan Seiden said. “Especially when you start out 0-2. It definitely felt good to win a game on the road against a good team.”
It was a little bit of a funky game with the Dons taking a 14-13 lead midway through the second quarter. However, Piedmont got a 41-yard field goal from Matias Seelenberger to take a 16-14 lead into halftime. In the second half, the Highlanders took control of the game.
“It’s never as good as it looks or as bad as it looks,” Seiden said. “The score was great. It could have been better. We made a few mistakes. It showed we can bounce back. After being down 14-13 we outscored them 20-2.”
Seiden said the defense has been getting better, rallying to the ball and making the tackles. Masimo Mittone had two interceptions and Seiden noted the sophomore hadn’t been playing on that side of the ball until recently. Mateo Long, another sophomore, has become a key defensive player as well. He had eight solo and two assisted tackles in the game.
Senior Willie Richardson has been good filling in on the offensive line as well, according to Seiden.
Jimmy Lagios completed eight of 21 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns. Cash Panico caught four passes for 140 yards and one of the touchdowns. Jack Meyjes caught the other touchdown pass, one of three receptions for 42 yards. Rehan Mumtaz led the ground game with 56 yards on four rushes.
Overall, the Highlanders (2-2) had 287 yards on 50 offensive snaps.
Aragon (2-2) sacked Lagios three times and had several other pressures forcing Lagios to get rid of the ball quickly. The Dons had 323 yards on offense on 69 snaps. Quarterback Gabe Wilcox threw for 259 yards but it took 41 passes (16 completions) to get there. He had a touchdown pass and the two interceptions.
Charlie Wilcox caught eight passes for 156 yards and the touchdown.
Piedmont also recovered two fumbles.
The Highlanders will next host Arroyo on September 26. It is homecoming for Piedmont.