Before anyone gets upset and starts screaming "but Dave, it was 35-12", let me point out a few things for you. First of all, Pulaski County went into this scrimmage knowing that Richlands was a week ahead of them, and that Richlands already had a scrimmage under their belts. The coaching staff fully EXPECTED Richlands to be more prepared, more practiced, and to execute better. The goal was to see how Pulaski performed and executed, not if they could "win". Second, with 2:45 left in the third quarter, the score was Richlands 15 PC 12. Considering the fact that the starters played the first half, and the second team (as well as some third teamers) played all but the first four plays on each side of the ball in the third quarter, that ain't too bad!! Pulaski County actually saw its entire second team offense in against the Richlands first team defense early in the third quarter. Not only did they do well, but they scored a touchdown on a Cody Harman 45 yard run. At the end of the third quarter and on into the fourth quarter, Cougar Head Coach Jack Turner did what he should have done, and made sure that each and every player got time on the field. Not just two or three plays mind you, but LOTS of plays. In all, Coach Turner played 62 Cougars last Friday night. He had planned on playing 60. That's the only way you can find out who your football players are....put them in the game and see how they react. There were some pleasant surprises for the coaching staff after reviewing the film. Near the end of the game, I believe he was about to put myself, Ardent Cougar, and Cougarfan in, but unfortunately time expired before we were able to get in. Maybe next time. Either way, look for the Cougars to continue to improve as they move into the last of their pre-season action this Friday night in the 22nd Annual Harvey's GM Touchdown Classic.

This is the longest running pre-season gathering of football teams of any kind in the State of Virginia. Like most years, this seasons Classic promises to present a great night of football action for the fans. The JV teams will be starting things off early on the upper practice field, with Pulaski County and several other teams kicking things off at around 2:30. The stadium will open to the public at 4 PM, with full concessions available. The format will be the same this year as always.....each game will consist of two quarters, each quarter will be considered a half. The first game is scheduled to begin at 4:30 PM, and it is sure to be a great one, with single wing offense Giles High School facing single wing offense Louisa High School. Both teams had great seasons last year, and are expecting the same this season. According to Dan Callahan, this may be one of the first times in many years that two single wing teams have faced off against each other. The second match of the night will see Pulaski County facing Lord Botetourt. LB is coming to Dobson Stadium hoping to make a statement to the rest of the Blue Ridge District. Game three will see Louisa taking on Liberty High School out of Bedford. Again, two very tough teams that should provide a great show. Game four will feature Lord Botetourt taking on Giles. This would be a prime opportunity for the Spartans to serve notice that they are back in force. The final game of the night will see Pulaski facing Liberty. This one should be a real barn burner, and I'm sure both coaching staffs will have their teams jacked up for it.

So there we go folks. Head on out to the stadium, get yourself a hotdog or some pizza, watch a little football, and whatever else you do make sure you make some noise when those Cougars walk down those steps. The regular season is now only a week away, so if you haven't done so yet, get those cow bells out and shine them up, get those flags out and make sure they're ready, and lets get ready for the "Pride of Pulaski County" to start up its 2005 season!!

GO COUGARS!!!