From The Bleachers 2002: Week Five by Ardent Cougar
Series: PC
leads 1-0.
Region
III District Standings
Do or die. If the Cougars want to have any realistic chance of playing in the postseason, it has to start this week. These next two games will decide, at least at this point in time, which team is the thrid best team in the BRD, behind Northside and William Fleming. I don't know if a 6-4 record will cut it. I believe the Cougars really need to sweep these next two games. The next three contests following would be against teams PC would be definitely favored against, and then maybe having Northside at home for the season finale, would make a difference. Blacksburg's season has been odd thus far, with a narrow win over a Giles team that is now 0-3, then jumping on Graham early before losing. Last week, the Indians could manage only a field goal, in the loss at Salem. Speaking of the Spartans, they have the week off before their game with us (again), and you can be sure that Willis White and staff will be somewhere in the home stands. One has to wonder how the sudden emergence of a credible passing game, will affect Hicks' game plan this week. On the defensive side of the ball, we don't have to worry about QB Brett Smith, RB Jermaine Rogers, or WR/K Scott Sterrett, as all graduated in the spring. This is easily the biggest district matchup this week, and one that should clear some things up. It is true that this young team has been developing and improving, but as we reach midseason, time is getting very short. Since we will not be playing Friday night, you'll have to find another game to enjoy. I might be heading to Fort Chiswell, to see the 4-0 Floyd County Buffaloes. Newspaper Articles on Blacksburg's games: No offense, but Salem prevails G-Men slip past Blacksburg 36-29
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Once again, the home field advantage just didn't make enough of a difference. The Cougars played 'catchup' all game. Fleming had leads of 14-0 and 26-14. The game was tied at 14-all briefly, but after a fumbled punt return, the Colonels took the lead for good. The defense gave up only 19 points, but an 83-yard punt return by Mijuan Curtis to open the scoring for Fleming, made the difference. PC came back and even had a chance to win late, after recovering a fumble on the Fleming 33 with less than 4 minutes to go, but an incompletion was followed by a sack and an interception, and that was the ball game. Donnell Blake outgained the Cougars on the ground all by himself, getting 135 yards and the last Colonel score. Derrick Burks led PC with 60 yards, and a score. It was an odd game offensively for the Cougars, as the passing game netted nearly as many as the rushing game! Britt Shumate went 6-for-11, with a pair of TD passes to Brandon Anderson (who caught 4 passes for 100 yards!), against one interception. Anderson's 2 receiving TDs tied a school record for one game. The slant pattern to Brandon which tied the game was perfectly executed, and electrified the atmosphere in the Cougar Den. It was obvious that Coach Hicks had decided during the week to put more emphasis on the passing game. The difference in "air efficiency" from the Chrstiansburg game to last week, was more than noticeable. It was a good thing that throwing the ball was a credible option, as the Fleming D was really tough against the ground game. For the fourth time in as many games, the Cougars did not score in the third quarter. With Jeremy Porter apparently off the team for good, Anderson is carrying a heavier load than expected, starting at tailback on offense, cornerback on defense, and returning kicks. Full Story and Interviews (Cougar Comeback Falls Short)
Saunders, Vikings run away from Byrd No offense, but Salem prevails Cavaliers run over Montcalm (scroll down for Alleghany game) PH turns clash into titanic rout Lord
Botetourt 20, Christiansburg 13 OT
Previous 2002 Articles: FTB
Week One - Tazewell
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