Piedmont Set for State Championship Game
It will be the same book but the third chapter for the football programs at Piedmont Academy and Thomas Jefferson Academy.
The two squads are preparing for the upcoming GISA Class A state championship game which is set for Friday at Mercer University in Macon. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. as the first part of a tripleheader for the GISA Class A, Class AA and Class AAA title games.
The Cougars are guided by Clint Satterfield who was named head coach during the offseason. Satterfield was a long-time head coach at Locust Grove High School.
“This is an exciting time for our football program,” Satterfield said. “The entire school is looking forward to this. We hope we can bring the championship trophy home.”
Piedmont has compiled a 9-3 overall record in 2021 with playoff wins against Fullington Academy and Georgia Christian Academy. The Cougars defeated the Georgia Christian Generals 55-0 on the road in Valdosta on November 19.
“It is an amazing honor to be able to play for the championship,” said Piedmont player Gavin Mask. “We take pride in how we play. Winning state would be a great thing for the entire school.”
Teammate Landon Conner, who has been a key player in all phases for the Cougars, said it is unique for any program to play for state three consecutive seasons.
“We are hoping to get it done this time,” Conner said. “Our team is a family. We have each other’s back and will give everything we have to win the championship.”
Thomas Jefferson, coached by Terence Hennessy, has won the past two title games against the Cougars. The Jaguars also won the regular season matchup with Piedmont this fall 28-0.
The teams run different styles of offenses as the Cougars use a mix of passing and running while TJA employs a triple option offense.
The Jaguars are 11-1 this season with their lone loss to Class AA Brentwood who is aiming for another state championship in its classification.
Piedmont junior quarterback Justin Reynolds has been one of the top players in the GISA this season. Reynolds passed for four touchdowns against Georgia Christian in the Class A semifinals.
Reynolds has shared the wealth with several receivers in 2021 including Conner, Ryan Holder, Luke Welch and Ryan Kennemore.
Michael Joseph has been the team’s leading rusher amassing 190 yards with two scores on the ground in his team’s semifinal game.
Satterfield said he likes to run the football as much as possible but with Reynolds’ ability, the passing game has enjoyed success.
Defensively, several players have stepped up including Mask, Ridge Stroud, Mason Tanner, Cole Wade, Mason Owens and Mark Hicks.
While Thomas Jefferson took the win in the regular season, turnovers played a role. Piedmont had six turnovers in the contest.
“You wouldn’t think that would happen again,” Satterfield said. “We just have to protect the football and do what we are capable of doing.”
“We have to play very physical,” Mask said. “We also have to take care of the football. We have developed a good rivalry with Thomas Jefferson. We respect them but also want to beat them.”
Thomas Jefferson’s coach said the two top teams in Class A are meeting for the championship and he expects a hard-fought contest.
“We figured in October it would probably be this matchup again,” Hennessy said. “I felt like the first game would have been closer without the weather delay. We had a good bit of rain before the game and that made for a slick surface. I think Friday will be much closer.”
Running a triple option offense, one main key for the Jaguars will be to not have turnovers.
“We’ve only had two games out of our 12 that we have not had a turnover,” Hennessy said. “With an offense like Piedmont has, you don’t want to give them extra chances. That may sound like a cliche but it is what it is. We like 10, 12, 15-play drives. That allows you to keep their offense off the field and if your defense can get a quick stop then we can use up a half with two drives.”
Halfback Beans Hunt has rushed for 1,080 yards this season with nine touchdowns for Thomas Jefferson while fullback John Durden has 1,072 with 17 scores. Durden had a big night in the regular season matchup between the teams.
“We could not stop him,” Satterfield said. “He had a huge night. I have no doubt they will look to get him involved quickly in the rematch.”
Cam Beasley triggers the Jaguar offense and has thrown for 470 yards and rushed for another 750. Carter Walden has been his top receiver with 150 yards and two scores.
Right guard Chris Biggers anchors the line at right guard.
Defensively, Durden also leads the team with 80 tackles, 24 assists, three sacks, six tackles for loss and four pass breakups from his middle linebacker spot.
Sam Williamson has 40 tackles, 29 assists, three tackles for loss, seven pass breakups and a safety. Jaedon Crunkelton has added 24 tackles, 17 assists, four sacks, eight tackles for loss, five pass deflections and an interception. Kevin Unruh has also made four interceptions.