Cougars, Thomas Jefferson Tie

In a game which would have been heartbreaking for either team to lose, it turned out neither squad suffered a defeat.

Piedmont Academy and Thomas Jefferson Academy battled to the final play and finished deadlocked at 20-20. With it being a non-region game, the decision was made not to play overtime.

“We didn’t want to risk injury in that situation,” Cougars coach Mike Parris said. “With our numbers we really cannot afford to get anyone hurt. That was the main reason we ended the game after regulation.”

Even with the teams not playing overtime fans certainly got their money’s worth.

Thomas Jefferson took a 20-14 lead in the final minute but the Piedmont offense stormed back down the field and tied the score as time expired on a pass from Tate Marks to Dylan Coe.

Parris said Marks made one of the best plays in high school football he has seen as he rolled out to his left and then threw back to the right to connect with Coe for the score.

“I was so proud of how we never quit,” Parris said. “It was such a hard-fought game. Thomas Jefferson was very physical.”

The Cougars took the opening drive and took an early lead. The Jaguars then fumbled giving Piedmont a chance for a two-score lead. Parris said when his team did not take advantage of that opportunity it “hurt us a bit.”

“Our kids really put everything they had into the game,” the coach said. “They showed a lot of character by playing that well on the road.”

Piedmont (1-0-1) will return home this Friday against the Westwood Wildcats. Westwood has a new head coach for the first time in several seasons. Jimbo Hale is now directing the program taken over for Ross Worsham who stepped down during the offseason.

“They are a good team with speed,” Parris said. “We have not faced a team with the amount of speed we will see this Friday. Defensively we will have to take good angles. We will have to stop a very good running back so our defense will be challenged.”

After falling to Brookwood in their opener the Wildcats have earned wins against Fullington and Robert Toombs Academy.

“We hope the weather will cool down some,” Parris said. “It will be good to be back home.”

Piedmont Academy students began the new school year earlier this week and the coach said that will be an adjustment the players will have to deal with.

“We need to have a good week of preparation and be ready to play,” Parris said. “We have to play smart and not have as many penalties.”

Kickoff at Cougar Field is set for 7:30 p.m