Cougars Fall Short of State Title

When it was all said and done the word “almost” probably summed up the Piedmont Academy football team best Dec. 6 in Macon.

The Cougars had a chance for a potential game-winning score in the final three minutes of the state championship game played at Mercer University. A fourth down and three pass attempt was just incomplete, however, and Thomas Jefferson Academy emerged with a 26-20 victory.

After that incompletion the Jaguars were able to run out the final 2:40 to take the GISA Class A championship trophy.

It was a tough way for Piedmont’s team to end the 2019 season. The Cougars improved drastically as the year progressed defeating Monsignor Donovan in the semifinals to avenge an early-season loss and then almost avenging a 42-18 setback against TJA during the regular season.

“The game was everything we wanted except winning it,” first-year coach Will Johnson said. “I was really pleased with how we handled the game and the environment we were in. Four or five plays typically make the difference in the outcome of a game. That is especially true when the teams are so evenly matched.”

With the game tied 14-14 at halftime Piedmont took the opening possession of the second half and moved 54 yards in eight plays capped by a 12-yard touchdown with 7:12 left in the third quarter. The lead remained 20-14 after the extra-point attempt failed.

The Cougars began the drive with good field position after TJA failed to recover an onside kick.

Piedmont’s defense then forced a three-and-out and had excellence field position again at the Jaguar 46-yard line following a punt which actually registered zero yards.

The Cougars could not move, however, and Thomas Jefferson came up with a big special teams play to take over at the Piedmont 39. The Jaguars fought in after eight points on a 13-yard run by Cameron Evans. A two-point conversion attempt failed to leave the score 20-20.

Despite a quality kickoff return to the 42-yard line by Coots, Piedmont once again went three-and-out. Thomas Jefferson then found the end zone on a 15-yard run by Matt McNeely with 6:49 to play. Once again the two-point conversion attempt was stopped by the Cougar defense.

Piedmont then took possession at its own 34 and moved into scoring position. Pittman connected with Owen Brady for a key 29-yard pass. Initially the drive appeared to be stopped after an incomplete on fourth and eight from the TJA 32-yard line but a roughing the passer penalty gave the Cougars a first down.

On the next fourth down Piedmont was unable to convert. The Jaguars were able to run out the final 2:40, picking up a needed first down by inches on the possession.

“We had our opportunities,” Johnson said. “We just didn’t make a big play when we needed to. That’s how football is. I believe football is one of the greatest teachers when it comes to life. We will have to come back and keep pushing forward.”

Thomas Jefferson found itself in a much more competitive game than the first meeting this season between the schools, something its coach predicted.

“I was glad that we were able to figure out a way to hold on for the win,” said Thomas Jefferson coach Terence Hennessy. “It was a great football game. Both teams laid it on the line. I told Coach Johnson his team had really improved a great deal from week two when we first played them to week 12. He is really doing a great job of rebuilding the program.”

The game began with Thomas Jefferson taking the initial possession at its own 41 and moving to the Cougar 32 where it faced fourth and eight. The Jaguars turned the football over on downs and Piedmont took over at its 33.

The Cougars went three-and-out on their first series of the game. The first quarter turned out to be scoreless.

A short field led to the first score by Thomas Jefferson. The Jaguars took over at Piedmont’s 37 and broke the scoreless tie on a five-yard run by McNeely. The extra point kick attempt failed to leave the score at 6-0.

Piedmont took its first lead on a 45-yard drive capped by a 14-yard play by Pittman. Davin Waldrop’s extra point kick gave the Cougars the lead at 7-6 with 4:43 left before halftime.

Thomas Jefferson answered with a 60-yard drive which ended on a six-yard score by Evans. A successful two-point conversion by McNeely made the score 14-7.

With just more than a minute left before halftime Pittman led Piedmont back down the field on a 54-yard drive. A 23-yard pass from Pittman pulled the Cougars to within a point with seven seconds remaining in the quarter. Waldrop then evened the scoreboard at 14 with the PAT.

Pittman, who emerged into one of the top players in the league his junior season, had another standout performance on both sides of the football. During Thomas Jefferson’s second possession of the game Pittman actually caught a pitch attempt by the Jaguars to end the scoring threat.

Luke Welch and Eric Tobler also made several defensive stops in the championship game.

The two teams are set to play again during the 2020 regular season.

“This could develop into a really good rivalry,” Hennessy said. “We are less than two hours apart. This has the potential to be a rivalry the GISA needs.”

Johnson said the 2019 season will always remain with him.

“It was a joy to be around these players,” the Piedmont coach said. “They played their hearts out. I think they have shown the winning culture is back. Beyond us I don’t think anyone thought we had a chance on Friday. It is a testament to our players’ hard work. They believed the process.”

Johnson said his coaching staff including defensive coordinator Matt Britt. Thomas Jefferson scored more than 40 points in the first contest with Piedmont but had to do some in-game adjusting in the rematch.

The Jaguars used the wishbone formation and I formation at times in the championship contest. Johnson said TJA had not done that much at all during the season.

Johnson also credited assistant coach Michael Wilson who handled many behind-the-scenes duties. Kayden Miller, the school’s wrestling coach, also volunteered to assist with the team and was there each day. Johnson also praised the work of Mary Catherine Sikes, the school’s athletic director and athletic trainer, for her countless hours of work for the players.

Chris Cain and Glad Tuggle, former Cougar players, also assisted with the 2019 team.

In the other GISA state championship games, also played at Mercer, Gatewood won the AA title against Briarwood and John Milledge captured the AAA title defeating Valwood.