To play in the postseason, Jefferson High School's football team will have to beat Musselman High School and Berkeley County's three other high schools in the upcoming Sectional. David Pennock

SHENANDOAH JUNCTION — Sherando got its only win of the infant season against Jefferson when the Cougars opened their boys basketball season. Tonight, the Cougars go back to playing public school competition when Loudoun County visits for the first round of the Jefferson Mixer. Woodgrove, another public school from Loudoun County, plays the Cougars tomorrow night in the second round of the four-school Mixer.

In Stephens City against Sherando, the Cougars lost a 67-66 verdict to open the 2019-20 season.

Invited to the Hedgesville Mixer that included two private schools — Broadfording Academy and IDEA Charter school from Washington, D.C. — the Cougars picked up two wins, the same as Hedgesville did against the visitors.

In Jefferson’s 82-72 win over Broadfording Academy of Hagerstown, the Cougars needed a fourth-quarter outburst to down the Lions. That game was tied after three quarters.

Jaden Wilkie, Will Shively and Jaden Butts were Jefferson’s three leading scorers in the escape from the Lions.

After losing its first game in the Hedgesville Mixer to the host Eagles, IDEA Charter was more competitive against Jefferson but still lost, 90-46.

Ahmad Lesesne, Cyrus Murray, Daion Taylor and Trey Barlow will round out the top seven players on this year’s team used in the early games.

Jefferson remains in same Class AAA Sectional as Washington and Hampshire here in the 2019-2020 season.

To move on very far in postseason tournament play, Jefferson must somehow get past the Sectional that is comprised of four Berkeley County high schools — Martinsburg, Musselman, Hedgesville and Spring Mills.

Martinsburg and Musselman have both qualified for the eight-school state tournament for five straight seasons.

South Hagerstown and Millbrook (Virginia) are two other public schools on the Jefferson schedule.

Jefferson, Washington and Hampshire all had losing overall records last season in this nearby Section.

For Jefferson to find more success this season, its many underclassmen have to shoulder most of the load for most of the roster is composed of sophomores, juniors and a freshman.