The Locker Room September 27, 2006

The Cougars went into the game knowing full well that the odds were against them. There is a segment of the fan base that wants to see them fail. There are some in power that want to see them fail. There are even some people within the school system itself that……at least at times it would seem…..want to see them fail.

The Cougars were bringing an 0-3 record into the contest. They traveled two hours to get to the game. Two hours on a school bus is a long time. It gives a person time to think about things. They arrived at Jefferson Forest to find a smaller than normal locker room, a wet field, and a stadium that is small enough to make you feel very close to those fans that like to scream and taunt you. The home team was quoted in the local newspaper as saying what a big deal it would be to beat Pulaski County, and that they would be wearing their all black uniforms to motivate the kids. Fast forward to game time, and the Cougars watch from the sidelines as Jefferson Forest emerges from its tunnel through smoke and fog, while two flag adorned Harley Davidson motorcycles lead them out onto the field. It was a pretty impressive entrance, meant to intimidate and get into the heads of the visiting Cougars.

It did NOT have its intended effect.

While the Cougars have had it rough to this point in the season, and things have gone against them at most turns, last Friday night was about more than just a football game. While some fans decided to go other places instead of making the two hour plus drive to watch the Cougars, there were fans there. These fans were some of the hardcore. The fans who were in the stands Friday night were some of those fans that like cowbells and noisy shaker bottles. They like to make signs and make noise. Most of these fans were NOT the type that decide to leave the game early if things are looking rough. These were the ones that are there in the rain, the snow, and the ice. Some of these very same fans are some of the ones I remember sitting through an ice storm with to watch the Cougars play the Heritage Hurricanes in November of 2000. They traveled by the busload to T.C. Williams in 1984 to see the Cougars face the Titans, and to see Pulaski take on the Courtland Cougars in 1986. They withstood the torrential rains and the freezing cold at the end of October 2002 to watch the Cougars win in Allegheny. And there were a few, just a few mind you, who were there in 1982 when Pulaski beat Patrick Henry 10-7 to finish its first undefeated season ever. Yep, these are the fans that you WANT to have with you when push comes to shove.

In all there were about 1,000 Pulaski fans that made the trip. The cheerleaders were there in full force. Add on top of that the fact that the band came out to show its support. Nothing says “FRIDAY NIGHT” like listening to the band play at a high school football game. I would personally like to thank each and every one of you that came out and pulled for the team and coaches the way you did. It’s like I said earlier, this is about more than just football games now. This is about getting our family back together and doing what’s right. Would we love to win every game for the rest of the season? Well of course, but the big thing right now is to get behind this team and these coaches and take care of business.

Pulaski County travels back to Lynchburg on Saturday night to take on their old foe the E.C. Glass Hilltoppers. Some folks are saying ‘well they got beat by Amherst last week 48-0 and they are 1-3, we should have no problems with them”. I know that E.C. Glass would LOVE for Coach Turner to look at things that way, but I can assure you he won't. Glass has lost three games. They lost to Franklin County AT Franklin County 7-14, and they lost to Heritage AT Heritage 7-12. Not exactly horrible losses. They defeated Jefferson Forest 14-8 for their one win of the season. Looking at these scores, it seems to me that with the exception of the Amherst game (and Amherst is without a doubt one of the best teams in the state in ANY classification this year) the Hilltoppers have played tough defense and managed to work in a little offense. This is a dangerous team.

Glass is loaded with big, fast, and athletic talent. Pulaski County CAN win, but to do that they will have to make sure that they do a couple of things. First, they must play hard nosed defense. You cannot let the speedy backs and receivers get outside, and you must defend the pass. Second, you have got to get your offense clicking. Being able to run the ball is important, but the Cougars must keep mixing things up like they have to keep the defense honest. Third, the special teams must have another good night. This Hilltopper team has several players that could break a long kickoff run back on you if your not careful. And finally, the Cougars must not beat themselves. They need to play mistake free football. I believe they can do it.

Let's load the vehicles up and head down the road again this week and let this team know we still believe in them.

I BELIEVE!!

GO COUGARS!!! BEAT THE HILLTOPPERS!!!

Cougars by the Numbers
by Ardent Cougar

Kenneth J. Dobson must have been looking down on us last Friday night.

It was a game where we scored early, and never trailed.

Three field goals by Ben Buckland made the difference on the scoreboard.

Not turning over the ball, of course, played a huge part as well.

I liked the energy I felt in the crowd.

2006 is not over.  Stay tuned.

This one was for you, Mr. Dobson.