Staff Reports

BLOUNTSVILLE – Ishmael Bethel had quite the night for the Piedmont Bulldogs in their Class 3A first round football playoff game at J.B. Pennington on Friday night.

Bethel intercepted three passes, returned the opening kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown, and also caught a 68-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Cole Wilson in leading the Bulldogs to a 44-14 blowout victory.

Piedmont (5-6) built a 30-0 halftime advantage and held a 37-0 lead early in the third quarter before the Tigers got on the scoreboard.

Hayes Gunn accounted for 134 yards on 24 carries and scored three touchdowns for the Bulldogs on runs of 4, 25 and 1-yard. Wilson completed 8 of his 13 pass attempts for 204 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Trevor Pike had three catches for 94 yards and a score. Chase Cardelli connected on a 37-yard field goal just before halftime to provide Piedmont a 30-0 lead.

Piedmont will host Lauderdale County (11-0) in next week’s second round. Lauderdale County defeated Fayette County 35-14 in other first round playoff action on Friday.