From The Bleachers 2002: Week Three by Ardent Cougar
Series: PC
leads 3-0, with each win being a thoroughly decisive shutout.
Only 3 Cougar teams have started the season 0-2, and this is the only one in Hicks' 24 years of coaching at Pulaski County. You have to go all the way back to the school's second year of existence, 1975's 0-10 debacle, to find the last time it happened before 2002. (PC was also 0-2 in the inaugural year of 1974, then tied and won the next pair of games, ending up 2-7-1.) It looks like we will be without Jeremy Porter for a bit, but Brandon Anderson looked pretty good last week. What is needed most is improved line play, and better decision making by our field general. Our defense has given up 17 points on average for the first two contests, and despite some bad tackling, overall it has not been too bad. What is disappointing is the offensive output, especially in the second half, where we have yet to put anything on the scoreboard. There does seem to be something of a fresh "air" in Christiansburg, concerning their team. A new coach and new uniforms can do that. If you read the Virginia Preps AA Football Message Board, you might have noticed that some Blue Demon posters are starting to get enthusiastic and, well, bold. Here is a sample post. Guys, before you can beat us, you must first score on us. I'm not saying you won't, but first things first! You are 2-0, but we're not overly impressed with your wins over senior-less Hidden Valley, and Single-A Glenvar. Maybe you have something real going, but it will take some convincing. Also remember - no matter how much you try, you cannot talk yourself into a good game. (I wonder if some of those Christiansburg posters are also Marshall University fans?) Strange things have happened in Cougar Country lately. The past two games, we lost to a pair teams we never lost to before, with six wins combined, the scores averaging an overwhelming 45-9. Hmm. Playing a team called the Blue Demons, on Friday the 13th. Could it turn out to be a horror show? Get out to Christiansburg Friday night, support the team loudly, and help make sure it doesn't! Newspaper Articles on Christiansburg's games: Demons bat down 2-pointer to stay unbeaten Demons
romp but Titans leave happy
It is exactly a year to the day since the grave events of 2001 were visited upon our country. Disbelief, panic and sorrow turned to anger, as we struggled to find out how all of it had happened, and why. As we look back
today, I am thankful for the good things that happened. The people
who got out of those buildings alive. The brave rescue workers who
helped some of them to freedom. I also remember with reverence, those
who died. I especially remember the men in the FDNY, who gave up
their lives in an attempt to save others, and the heroes of Flight 93 that
crashed in Pennsylvania, who were determined to not be used as a weapon
against their own country.
A rough beginning of the season stretched into a second week for Pulaski County, as the Cougars lost to the Crimson Wave 20-13. Even rougher, star running back Jeremy Porter was lost on the first play of the game with a dislocated elbow. He is expected to be out at least 3 weeks. Brandon Anderson took his place, and did a good job, getting 82 yards. Derrick Burks (who moved to FB, while Anderson played TB) got 53 yards, and a pair of scores. The Cougars barely outgained the Wave on the ground, but were totally outdone through the air. QB Darryl Drayton threw for 128 yards and a score for Petersburg. It is a rare occasion when PC wins the battle of the turnovers, but loses the game. Petersburg lost a pair of fumbles and an interception. The lone PC turnover was the difference in the game, and was also a rarity - a Cougar pass (rare enough by itself), intercepted and taken back for a score. Kevin Graves picked off a short 4th-and-4 pass from Britt Shumate late in the first half, and took it to the house from 65 yards out. The ensuing 2-point conversion would be all the Wave needed. John Hedge has his usual fantastic game punting, but missed a 45-yard field goal attempt, and an extra point. The Cougars drove 63 yards and had a first down at the Petersburg 16 very late in the game, but lost the ball on downs. Full Story and Interviews (Crimson Wave Washes Over Cougars -- Barely)
G-Men slip past Blacksburg 36-29 Vikes swipe win from Minutemen Demons bat down 2-pointer to stay unbeaten Calmer Terriers rally in 2nd half Patriots
score in final minute to win (scroll down for Lord Botetourt game)
Previous 2002 Articles: FTB
Week One - Tazewell
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