The Piedmont (AL) varsity football team will host Cherokee County (Centre, AL) in a home non-conference game today at 7 p.m. Both teams aim to showcase their talent and gain early-season momentum. Piedmont looks to capitalize on home-field advantage, while Cherokee County seeks a key road victory in this competitive matchup.

Cherokee County Visits Piedmont for Non-Conference Clash

Piedmont, AL – High school football fans are in for an exciting night on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., as the Piedmont Bulldogs host the Cherokee County Chiefs in a non-conference showdown. This opener marks the first game of the 2025 season for both squads and promises to set the tone for what could be an exhilarating year of football.

With both teams starting the season at 0-0, the matchup offers a clean slate, giving players and coaches a chance to make first impressions and establish momentum heading into league play.

Team Profiles

Cherokee County Chiefs

Hailing from Centre, Alabama, the Cherokee County Chiefs come into the season ranked 1,367th nationally, 35th in Alabama, and 3rd in their class. The Chiefs are known for their disciplined style of play and ability to execute in critical situations. Though playing on the road for their season opener, Cherokee County will look to rely on fundamentals, teamwork, and a strong game plan to challenge the Bulldogs on their home turf.

While their offensive and defensive lineups remain a mystery until game time, expectations are that Cherokee County will emphasize a balanced offensive attack, mixing run and pass, while keeping the Bulldogs guessing. Defensively, the Chiefs will aim to control the line of scrimmage and create turnovers that could swing momentum in their favor.

Piedmont Bulldogs

The Piedmont Bulldogs enter the season with a national ranking of 3,160, 85th in Alabama, and 7th in their class. As the home team, the Bulldogs carry the advantage of playing in front of a supportive crowd eager to see their team shine. Piedmont has a history of aggressive play on both sides of the ball, and this season opener provides an opportunity for the Bulldogs to set the tone early.

Offensively, Piedmont will likely focus on establishing the run to control the clock, while leveraging their passing game to open up big plays. Defensively, containing Cherokee County’s playmakers and forcing turnovers will be crucial to gaining an early-season edge.

Rankings Snapshot

• Cherokee County (25–26)

  • National: 1,367

  • Alabama: 35

  • Class: 3

• Piedmont (25–26)

  • National: 3,160

  • Alabama: 85

  • Class: 7

Cherokee County’s higher rankings suggest they might have the edge on paper, but Piedmont’s home-field advantage and history of strong season openers make this a potentially close matchup.

Record Breakdown

Both teams enter Week 1 with identical records:

• Overall: 0-0

• League: 0-0

• Non-League: 0-0

• Head-to-Head: 0-0

• Home/Away: 0-0

• Playoff: 0-0

With no prior head-to-head history and no games yet played this season, the first quarter will likely set the tempo for the rest of the contest. Each coach will be looking for clean execution and an early sense of where their team stands.

Keys to the Game

Cherokee County Chiefs

1. Establish the Run: Controlling the clock and keeping the Bulldogs’ offense off the field could be pivotal.

2. Protect the Football: Turnovers are especially costly in a close opener, and minimizing mistakes will be crucial.

3. Adapt Defensively: Reading Piedmont’s offensive schemes and adjusting in real time will give the Chiefs a chance to disrupt drives and create scoring opportunities.

Piedmont Bulldogs

1. Leverage Home-Field Advantage: Playing in front of their fans can give the Bulldogs a psychological and energy boost.

2. Mix Offensive Looks: A balanced attack will prevent the Chiefs from keying in on one aspect of the offense.

3. Pressure the Quarterback: Disrupting the Chiefs’ offensive rhythm early can set the tone for the game.

Atmosphere and Community Impact

Friday night football in Piedmont is a major event. The local community, including families, alumni, and students, will come out in full force to support the Bulldogs. From pregame tailgating to the roar of the crowd during critical plays, the atmosphere is sure to elevate the intensity on the field.

For Cherokee County, traveling for the opener presents an opportunity to test their preparation and resilience. Road games require focus, discipline, and the ability to thrive in an unfamiliar environment. A strong showing in Piedmont would give the Chiefs confidence heading into their league schedule.

What to Watch For

• Opening Drives: The first quarter could be telling in terms of which team is more prepared and which side will dominate early.

• Turnovers and Momentum Shifts: In a season opener, a single interception or fumble recovery can swing the momentum significantly.

• Key Matchups: Offensive linemen versus defensive front seven, and quarterback versus secondary matchups, will be critical.

Prediction

Although Cherokee County enters with a higher national ranking, Piedmont’s home advantage and history of competitive openers give the Bulldogs a slight edge. Expect a closely contested first half with both teams testing each other’s defenses. In the second half, the Bulldogs may capitalize on home-field energy and endurance to pull ahead.