From The Bleachers 2002: Week Seven by Ardent Cougar
Series: PC
leads 2-0-1.
Directions To The Game: From PCHS to LBHS (MapQuest) (also look at this Map from LBHS's web site) Region
III District Standings
Sometimes it takes only one play, to turn a season around. When Shaun Branscome blocked a punt and recovered it for a touchdown early in the thrid quarter, PC's first kick block of the year, you could feel the atmosphere in Dobson Stadium change. Salem did answer on the ensuing drive, but Shaun's effort lit a fire, which could be seen in the play of the offensive line, which wore down Salem in the 4th quarter. Derrick Burks ran with a determination which had not been seen from him in 2002. Both of these factors were highlighted in a key third down conversion in the 4th, where Derrick plowed forward behind the line's surge. Burks broke a 36-yard score on the next play, giving the Cougars all the points they would need. This was the first game of this season, where instead of faltering after halftime, PC took control. Now, on to Lord Botetourt. It is true that William Fleming beat the Cavaliers 42-0. However, last week Botetourt had the ball late in the game against Blacksburg, with a chance to win. Don't expect to see inept passing or many dropped balls this Friday night. Passing is pretty much the Cavaliers' only game plan. They might mix in some draw plays, but they get off of the team bus throwing the ball, and after the game probably get back on the bus the same way. Set your VCR to tape Channel 10's 'First and Ten' segment, just in case. The Cougar pass defense has played well so far. This test against the pass-happy Run-and-Shoot Cavaliers will let us know if last week was a one-time deal, or if PC is righting this ship, against the perilous waves that have crashed upon it. Maybe one player will emerge as a consistent leader, whom his teammates can rally around. Elsewhere in the BRD this week, the big battle for supremacy happens when William Fleming visits Northside. One last thing - it was great to see the new Student Section:
Thanks to all who made their voices heard, leading to this long overdue arrangement! Newspaper Articles on Lord Botetourt's games: Robertson takes turn in spotlight Colonels sack the Cavs' offense Vikings' Pooh a bear for Cavaliers Patriots
score in final minute to win (scroll down for Lord Botetourt game)
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There's no better way to snap out of a big slump, than to do it against your biggest rival. Derrick Burks had a great night, scoring 3 times and amassing 193 yards rushing, as the Cougars beat the Spartans 26-14. Shaun Branscome had the big play of the night however, blocking a punt early in the third quarter, and recovering it himself in the endzone to snap a 7-7 deadlock. John Hedge had pinned the Spartans deep, with a punt that went about 55 yards. PC got the only turnover of the night, a Brandon Anderson interception late in the third, which led to Derrick's second TD of the night. Burks soon got another score, sealing the win. After Salem went 80 yards in 9 plays after the opening kickoff, Burks answered with a 5-yard score. Neither team had both the lead and possession of the ball until the 4th quarter, when the Cougar D held Salem to a 3-and-out after Derrick's second score. PC ran 11 more offensive plays, and held the ball for over 11 minutes longer. Cougar QB Britt Shumate's only completion of the night went to Ernie Hodge, converting a key third down on the first PC scoring drive. Salem QB Billy Cameron threw a TD pass to Keith Schwizer, tying the game at 14-all on the drive following Branscome's block and score. Despite the completion of a few key passes, both teams had a horrible night throwing the ball, combining for 4-of-27 and 67 yards. This was the Cougar's 4th win in a row against the Spartans, marking the longest PC winning streak against Salem since 1978-1985, when the Cougars won 8 in a row, and both teams were members of the Roanoke Valley District.
Robertson takes turn in spotlight Terriers no match for Curtis, Colonels Powerful Knights control Mustangs (scroll down for Alleghany-Christiansburg)
Previous 2002 Articles: FTB
Week One - Tazewell
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