Marla Jones, Sports Editor
SYLVANIA, Ala.-- The Piedmont Bulldogs defeated the Sylvania Rams, 40-20, in the first round of the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) State Playoffs.
The Bulldogs scored first on fourth and goal, with 4:15 remaining in the first quarter. After holding the Rams, the Bulldogs returned the kick for another touchdown, with 3:07 remaining in the first quarter to take the 14-0 lead at the end of one.
With 11:54 remaining in the second quarter, Preston Bates sailed in for the Ram touchdown. The extra point was good, making the score 14-7. With 9:55 remaining in the second, Piedmont scored on a 42-yard pass connection making the score 21-7. After a pass connection from Brody Smith to Zac Anderson, the Rams scored with 2:47 remaining in the first half. The kick was good, to make the score 21-14 at the half.
The Bulldogs scored with 8:33 remaining in the third to go up 27-14. Piedmont scored once more in the third, with 4:22 remaining to take the 33-14 lead.
On third and 18, Smith connected with Styles Hughes for the touchdown, to make the score 33-20 with 7:30 remaining in the game. With 2:28 remaining in the game, Piedmont scored to make the final score of the night, 40-20.
The Sylvania Rams finished their 2021 season under the new leadership of Coach Tyler Vann, with an 8-3 overall record and 5-1 in Class 3A Region 7.
