Sand Mountain Showdown: Sylvania Tops Piedmont 23-7
Sylvania, AL – The 9th ranked Sylvania Rams sought redemption against the No. 8 Piedmont Bulldogs Friday night in a rematch of the 2022 Class 3A north semifinal. They achieved just that, clinching a decisive 23-7 victory, snapping a three game loosing skid against their Region 6 rivals. Rams running back Aiden Parham was the Rams’ workhorse, rolling up an impressive 328 rushing yards and securing three scores on 46 carries.
Notably, the Rams’ defense displayed dominance, effectively stifling the Bulldog offense and preventing them from reaching the end zone until late in the fourth quarter.
Piedmont, a consistent 3A powerhouse with five state championships since 2009, found themselves outmatched in this top 10 clash.
Sylvania faced some initial challenges as neither team managed to put points on the board in the first quarter. However, the Rams’ defense stepped up in the second quarter, forcing a turnover on downs and subsequently orchestrating a 60-yard drive that culminated in an Aiden Parham two-yard touchdown run. Conner Andrade’s successful point after gave Sylvania a 7-0 lead.
In the subsequent drive, the Rams’ defense continued to shine, causing a crucial fumble that was promptly recovered by Drenon Townsel. Sylvania capitalized with Parham scoring his second touchdown of the night on a 7-yard run. Andrade split the uprights again to extend the Ram lead to 14-0, with 3:43 left in the first half.
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Andrade increased Sylvania’s advantage to 17-0 in the third quarter with a 37-yard field goal. Although Piedmont made attempts to stage a comeback, their hopes were dashed when Sylvania’s John Robert Dixon intercepted Coleman Wilson with 9:29 remaining in the game. On the next play, Parham put the game on ice with an electrifying 67-yard run.
Piedmont managed to secure their only touchdown with a 15-yard run by Rollie Pinto, with just over six minutes remaining in the contest.
Looking ahead, the Rams will return to action next Friday night as they take on the unbeaten Ohatchee Indians at Roy C. Owens Field. Piedmont will look to secure their first win under first year head coach Jonathan Miller with a road trip to Plainview (1-1).
