Coming into tonight’s game, the Pulaski County Cougars really wanted to make a huge statement, they really wanted to show the Hidden Valley Titans and the entire district that the Cougars are truly a team to watch! We desperately wanted to erase all of the tormenting memories of last years’ surprising upset during Homecoming; and turn the first corner of our River Ridge District schedule with a outstanding win.

There has been a lot of talk recently over the disheveled state of Dwight Bogle Stadium, as the playing surface was repeatedly called unsafe to play on by players, coaches, and officials alike. There was talk about possibly moving the game to a neutral site or even bringing the game back to Kenneth J. Dobson Stadium because of the high saturation levels. The Cougars definitely made that playing surface a lot worse as they trampled the once undefeated Titans 28 to 6 in a somewhat unconventional Cougar victory.

Let us get back to the game—the first quarter was a virtual stalemate, as both teams could not gain an advantage on the other as both offenses sputtered to no avail. The first quarter was a rough start for the Cougars, Kevin Crouse seemed to be running all over the place, but it appeared to be a lost cause. Both defenses were playing with intensity and stopped one another when it counted the most.

Continuing into the second quarter there was yet to be a score by either team, this is very unusual for either team. This quarter was yet another up and down roller coaster ride for both teams but with five minutes remaining in the half, the very talented Hidden Valley offense broke from the strangling Pulaski County defense for a 18 yard gallop to draw first blood.

Following the touchdown, the Cougars realized that it was time to step up and try to rebound from the fluke score, and they did by blocking the Hidden Valley extra point, ending the second quarter with a new sense of anticipation and confidence leading into the second half.

Heading into the third quarter, the Cougars definitely came out with a strong start to say the least. Driving down the field and keeping the fans’ hopes high, they gave the ball to number 3 Benji Poindexter, who drove for an eleven yard pickup, but fumbled the ball. Getting the ball back, Hidden Valley seemed to do nothing but roll over on their backs and returned the ball to the Cougars with an interception to number 21 John McDaniel. With the interception, the Cougars finally began to take flight.

Number 9 Austin Twine threw a booming pass to number 22 Nubian Peak for a comeback touchdown for 57 yards. What did I stutter? The Cougars scored on a touchdown pass of 57 yards, but this was not the only pass the Cougars completed on this wonderful night. Air Turner ruled supreme against this defense when it needed it the most. On the kickoff after the touchdown, the Cougars kept pace by holding Hidden Valley to a fourth and 23, forcing a punt to end the third quarter.

Heading into the third quarter, the Cougars still had the leading score- 7 to 6. Austin Twine threw another pass; this one went for 18 big yards to number two Kevin Crouse for the pivotal first down. With the Cougars at a third down and nine, they gave the ball to, who else, but the “go-to-man”, number 3 Benji Poindexter who picked up eight yards and a facemask penalty, putting the Cougars sixteen yards from paydirt. Then, with eight minutes left, Kevin Crouse got the job done with a sixteen-yard scamper into the end zone, giving the Cougars a 14 to 6 lead.

Six minutes were left and the Cougars defense held Hidden Valley to another fourth down, handing the ball right back to the Cougars. As the Cougar fans were chanting, “Warm up the bus”, they handed the ball to Kevin Crouse, who blew through the Hidden Valley defense for six more big ones. With the accurate Luis Piscura tacking on his third extra point of the night, the Cougars increased their lead to 21 to 6.

On the second play of its final possession of the night, Hidden Valley threw an interception to number 11 Trey Angle, who ran 28 yards to pay dirt for the game-clinching touchdown, increasing the heart-pounding lead to 28 to 6, ending the game with Hidden Valley’s winning streak finally shattered and Pulaski County scoring their first district win.

This game was the Cougars’ fourth straight and most pivotal, as the Cougars ride high as they host the one and five Blacksburg Bruins this Friday night. Please come out and support the Cougars as they try to reestablish this program to its glory, and make it back to the playoffs after our 4 year absence.

GO COUGARS!!!!