Cougars Open 2024 Season Friday

Piedmont Academy’s varsity football history book dates back to 1971.

The Cougars will begin writing a new chapter this Friday when they welcome Thomas Jefferson Academy to Monticello for the start of the 2024 season. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. at Cougar Field.

Entering his fourth season directing the program, Piedmont head coach Clint Satterfield said he has liked his team’s work and progress during the offseason.

The Cougars will be in a new region and new classification setup but Satterfield said the schedule is one that presents his team with a chance to be competitive and even successful.

Piedmont finished 3-9 last fall while Thomas Jefferson had a rebuilding season of 1-10 after winning the state championship the four previous seasons. The Jaguars are coached by Terence Hennessy, who has enjoyed a very high level of success.

The TJA Jaguars run a wishbone and flex bone offensive attack. Hennessy said his team did operate out of the shotgun formation about six plays during its preseason scrimmage.

“I really have no clue what to expect from the game,” the Thomas Jefferson coach said. “We both had down seasons last year. Winning the turnover battle and limiting big plays by the opponent will be key to success for both teams.”

NOTES: The 2023-24 Lady Cougars girls basketball team will be presented with their state championship rings during halftime of Friday’s game.

The 2014 state championship baseball team will also be recognized later this season.