Piedmont's opening game of the 2011 season against Hokes Bluff, originally scheduled for Friday, Aug. 26, has been moved up to Thursday, Aug. 25, according to Bulldogs head coach Steve Smith. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Eagles Stadium in Hokes Bluff. 

The Bulldogs and Eagles squared off to open the 2010 season, as well, with Piedmont coming away with a 29-6 victory in the Class 3A Region 6 contest.  Smith's squad then reeled off five more victories before suffering a 43-42 overtime loss at Class 5A Gulf Shores.   

The Bulldogs went on to claim the Region 6 championship with an unblemished mark of 8-0. Piedmont finished the season with a state semi-final appearance and a record of 12-2.   

Hokes Bluff ended the 2010 season at 6-4.    

The Bulldogs are ranked No. 2 in the Alabama Sportswriters Association pre-season poll.  

High school football fans will now have three games to choose from on Thursday night of opening week.  Previously scheduled games include No. 5-ranked Class 1A Cedar Bluff tangling with 4A Cherokee County in Centre, and seventh-ranked 1A Collinsville entertaining Coosa Christian. 

On Friday night, Gaylesville hosts Class 4A Douglas while Sand Rock (2A) treks to Pleasant Valley for a Region 6 tussle. Class 1A Spring Garden also welcomes 2A Ranburne on Aug. 26.   

All games begin at 7 p.m.