Football Preview: Holy Spirt Prep Cougars

The Holy Spirit Prep Cougars play in the GIAA and compete in the GIAA 8-Man Region 1 with Westminster Schools of Augusta, Harvester Christian Academy, Westminster Christian Academy, Covenant Academy, St. Mary’s Academy, Monsignor Donovan Catholic and John Hancock Academy. In 2023, the team went undefeated in their region and locked up a top-three seed in the playoffs. The Cougars defeated John Hancock Academy 37-12 in the first round of the playoffs and made it to the semifinals before losing to Windsor Academy. The Cougars had their most wins in 2023 since 2011-2012, when they won a state championship against Christian Heritage. Head coach Mark Stafford has seen improvements within the program since he has been at the helm and is ready to build off last year’s 5-5 overall finish.

This past season’s 5-5 record remains a significant leap from the winless record coach Stafford inherited during his first season with Holy Spirit Prep. In addition, 2024 introduced an expansion to the playoffs bracket as the GIAA voted to add two more teams, forming a 10-team playoff from the previous eight-team playoff. Last year’s Cougars overcame a tough 1-4 start by winning four-straight and four of its last five games. Holy Spirit Prep will have a big test right out of the gates with Pinecrest Academy slated for Aug. 15. Last season, Pinecrest Academy served the Cougars a 28-0 loss in their opener—marking the first time the team had been shut out since 2022 against Windsor Academy.

Head Coach: Mark Stafford 

Coach Record: 47-90 

2024 Record: 5-5

2024 Region: GIAA 8-Man Region 1 

2024 Region Record: 5-3

2025 Region: GIAA 8-Man Region 1 

Stadium Name: N/A

2025 Schedule:

8/15 Pinecrest Academy

8/22 Providence Athletic Club

8/29 @ Covenant Academy

9/05 @ St. Mary’s Academy

9/12 @ Westminster Christian Academy

9/19 Westminster Schools of Augusta

9/26 Monsignor Donovan Catholic

10/17 St. Mary’s Academy

10/24 @ John Hancock Academy

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