Gridiron Cougars New Season Remains On Track

The new football season continues to move closer into view for the Piedmont Academy Cougars.

Piedmont returned to preseason conditioning last week following the “dead week” and coaches are in Jekyll Island this week for clinics. Preseason work will pick back up on Monday, July 20.

“Things continue to go well,” said coach Will Johnson. “The players are working hard. We have been able to stay healthy overall and that is the key with everything going on.”

The coach said he continues to be impressed with the turnout at summer conditioning. The team has had 20-25 players and Johnson said he hopes that number will grow by August.

“Right now, we are all eager to have the new season,” Johnson said.

The Cougars will host Briarwood Academy on August 14 for a combined practice session and scrimmage. Piedmont will also be a part of the John Hancock Academy Classic on August 20 with Augusta Prep and Briarwood. Both events during these weeks will begin at 6 p.m.

The Cougars open the regular season August 28 at Central Christian followed by road games at Rock Springs (Sept. 4) and Memorial Day (Sept. 11.)

The 2020 home opener is scheduled for September 18 against Robert Toombs followed by an open date. The Cougars will then travel to Creekside on October 2 before hosting Thomas Jefferson Academy the following week in a rematch of the 2019 state title game.

Piedmont hosts Augusta Prep on October 16. Road games at Brentwood and Gatewood follow before the regular season finale at home against Monsignor Donovan. Brentwood, Gatewood and Monsignor Donovan are region opponents for 2020.

Johnson said coaches will be updated from the GISA during this week’s clinic concerning the season.

“I imagine we will go over more concrete plans for the upcoming season,” he said. “As of now everything is still scheduled.”