The Locker Room
September 12, 2001


From The Bleachers 2001:
Week Three
by Ardent Cougar

Friday, September 14 - Christiansburg Blue Demons (Home):

Series: PC leads 2-0, having won by an average of 53-0.
Last meeting: 2000 at PC. The Blue Demons were once again simply outmatched. The Cougars began what was to be a tremendous season with a resounding 54-0 cakewalk.

 
Rating
Week
Change
Season
Change
Overall
Standing
Division
Standing
Division
PC
93.35
-1.61
+3.44
5th
1st
Div. 4
Christiansburg
37.14
-0.65
+2.62
219th
38th
Div. 3

Region III District Standings
 

Welcome to the Blue Ridge District, Cougar Fans!  Nine teams.  Eight games.  It all starts this week.  No more waiting until October for the most important part of the season.  The real deal is just beginning.

The Blue Demons appear to be somewhat improved from last year, but unless they have found someone like Terrell Bailey, one has to wonder if this year's score will be even worse.

The Cougar offense is in overdrive, scoring an average of 58 points per game.  The passing game needs some work, but when you have a team that is used to straight-ahead or trap blocking, all forward or laterally moving attacking, pass blocking is something that does not come "naturally".  Of course, QBs and receivers don't get much game practice when your ground game is so phenomenal.

I'm certain that we will not see another long snap on a punt play go over John Hedge's head again.  I also don't foresee many future instances of botched field goal attempts.  Here in Pulaski County, special teams are just that - special.  Yet, "Even the great Homer nods." 

Kick blocking played a big part last week, taking a point away from Petersburg, and leading to 14 Cougar points.  I would imagine seeing more of the same this week.

On a side note, I know we're all happy to see Cave Spring beat Salem.  Even though the Spartans scored only 3 points, remember that those are the only points allowed by the Knights so far.  With their defense, I can see Cave going well into the Division 5 playoffs.  Also, remember what Salem did last season, after going 6-4 on the field (7-3 with the Cave forfeit).  It wasn't even a district game.  So, please refrain from any thoughts of Salem being "down" this year.  It's too early to tell.  According to the Gilliam Ratings, they should beat Fleming by about 3 touchdowns or so.  Let's see how that one turns out, before entertaining any ideas like, "The King is dead!".

Cougar Scoring Stats:
Average beginning margin:  +44 (best: +59  worst: +28)
Average biggest lead:  48  (best: 59  worst: 36)
Average biggest deficit: 0  (best: 0  worst: 0)
Average final margin:  +44 (best: +52  worst  +36)

 
Blue Ridge
District
Week
Change
Season
Change
Pulaski County
93.35 -1.61 +3.44
Salem
84.13 -3.31 -6.18
Northside
77.81 +6.97 +3.63
Lord Botetourt
66.99 NC +2.41
Blacksburg
64.05 +1.51 +6.03
William Byrd
59.73 +0.17 +2.46
William Fleming
59.56 NC -2.91
Alleghany
54.49 NC -2.70
Christiansburg
37.14 -0.65 +2.62

 
Upcoming
Cougar
Opponents
Week
Change
Season
Change
William Fleming
59.56 NC -2.91
Blacksburg
64.05 +1.51 +6.03
Salem
84.13 -3.31 -6.18
Lord Botetourt
66.99 NC +2.41
William Byrd
59.73 +0.17 +2.46
Alleghany
54.49 NC -2.70
Northside
77.81 +6.97 +3.63

Week Two Review - Friday, September 7 - Petersburg Crimson Wave (Home):

Game Story

Once again, the Cougar scoring machine ate up the opposition.  For the second game in a row, Josh Calfee scored 4 times.  Josh gained 167 yards on the ground, and backfield mate Jeremy Porter chimed in with 169 yards, and 3 scores.  Alan Wheeling ran one in for the other TD.  For two weeks running, the Cougars have scored an average of two touchdowns per quarter, and John Hedge has been perfect on all 16 extra points.  The kick-blocking game for PC was superb, with 2 punts and a deflected PAT in the final tally.

Terrell Bailey was the only bright spot for the Crimson Wave, scoring 3 times, amassing 243 yards rushing.

Josh Calfee has surpassed three school records this season:
Career Rushing TD's - 45 (old record 40 by Carl Lewis, 1991-1993)
Total Career TD's - 46 (old record 45 by Carl Lewis, 1991-1993)
Total Career Points - 282 (old record 270 by Carl Lewis, 1991-1993)

The team set this record against Petersburg:
First Downs in a Game - 28 (old record 27 vs. PH, 2000)

Previous 2001 Articles:

FTB Week One
FTB Week Two
 

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