From The Bleachers 2002: Week Four by Ardent Cougar
Series: PC
leads 18-10, having won the last 2.
Region
III District Standings
It felt good to finally get a win under our belts last week, but don't celebrate too much too quickly. Friday night, the William Fleming Colonels come to town, fresh off of their win over Salem. For the first time in 2 years, according to the Gilliam Ratings, we will be an underdog. So far in 2002, the Cougar Den has not meant as much as it usually does, as PC is 0-2 at home. True, this young team is taking time to develop, and it would have been nice to have Christiansburg as the first game, instead of the third. The Colonels have a massive offensive line. Four of their starters weigh more than 300 pounds! This will definitely put the Cougar D to the test. However, it is also true that they have only scored 2 TDs (the lone score against the Lancers was on the opening kickoff). They have only allowed a TD in each of two games (not counting the overtime score by Amherst). If Fleming can shut down the running game, I hope the passing game is really improving this week, because it does not seem that we have the strength to rely on just one dimension, against good teams. Of course, special teams could make a positive difference against the Colonels. A bad punt snap late in the game last week put Salem in good range of tying the game. Here's an article from the Roanoke Times on Fleming's line: John Hedge is averaging 47 yards per punt, giving PC a 17-yard edge in that department. However, he seems snakebitten regarding field goals, for some reason. Let's hope that with practice and our encouragement, he can get back on track. Speaking of the kicking game, I know we all hope that Mr. Dobson is recovering well from his accident. On defense, Ernie Hodge leads the charge as our top tackler. Steven Cobbs and Brandon Anderson have picked off a pair of passes each. Expect a tough, very physical contest this week. Eliminating turnovers and playing field position will be at a premium. This game will really tell if the Cougars are truly improving, or not. The offense has scored a total of only 7 points in the second half of 3 games combined! The Blue Ridge District seems like a jumble this year, except for Northside, which appears to be the team to beat. William Byrd is undefeated as well, but just like Christiansburg last week, their victories have not been the most impressive, coming over Alleghany and Staunton River, so the Terriers have not exactly had a chance to prove themselves. They will get that chance this week, as they travel to take on the Vikings, in a rematch of last year's overtime contest. Blacksburg goes to Salem Stadium to battle the Spartans who, like the Cougars, also need to show that their 1-2 record is not indicative of how the season will end up. Speaking of the BRD, here's an article from today's Roanoke Tiimes, regarding the future of the District: Blue Ridge divide rooted in football Update 09-19-02 Thursday: Newspaper Articles on William Fleming's games: Colonels unable to go on offensive
They scored! For the first time in 4 tries, the Blue Demons put points on the board against the Cougars. An 80-yard halfback pass got Christiansburg to within a point in the first quarter. That was as close as it would get. The Cougar offense continued to improve. PC led 28-6 at the break, and Derrick Burks' 50-yard TD run in the 4th sealed a 35-12 victory, opening the BRD schedule on a positive note for the Cougars. Derrick was the workhorse, getting 180 yards on the night, averaging over 8 yards a carry, and scoring 3 times. Brandon Anderson continued to play well in place of the injured Jeremy Porter, chipping in 82 yards, and a pair of TDs. Brandon also picked off a pair of passes, and Steven Cobbs snared one as well. Ernie Hodge had 74 yards on the ground. The PC passing game got only 11 yards, but when your rushing game gets 340, you don't need that much more! Throw in a 4-2 edge in turnovers, and you have the formula for a cakewalk. Full Story and Interviews (Cougars Exorcize Demons)
Vikings' Pooh a bear for Cavaliers Terriers clamp down, don't let go Smith
passes PH past Petersburg (scroll down for Hidden Valley game)
Previous 2002 Articles: FTB
Week One - Tazewell
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