The Locker Room August 8, 2008

The 2008 edition of “The Pride of Pulaski County” took the field for the first time Friday as they traveled to Tazewell County to face the Bulldogs in a controlled scrimmage.

The event began with the officials present talking to both teams about sportsmanship and the new rules in effect for the 2008 season. After that, both teams took their turns attempting field goals against the other teams field goal defense, followed by punt teams offense and defense. Both teams were able to block a few of the others kicks, as they gained valuable experience by going live against another opponent.

The remainder of the day was spent either on offense or defense. Each teams first team offense got a chance to run 10 plays against the other teams first defensive unit twice.

On offense, Pulaski County was able to score several times. Senior fullback Seth Paris scored on a 2 yard run, Jolly Martin ran in a score from 8 yards out, and Randall “Wormy” Cobbs scored on a 3 yard run. The Cougar kicking game also contributed a few field goals, including a well kicked 32 yarder by senior Logan Haynes.

Tazewell was held on their side of the 50 yard line by the first team Cougar defense the entire contest. The Bulldogs were able to score late in the day, however, after a fine pass by their second team quarterback put them inside the Cougar second team defenses 8 yard line. Three plays later Tazewell took it in over the middle.

In all, the Cougars rushed for 334 yards with 12 different ball carriers. Virginia Tech bound Nubian Peak rushed 9 times for 127 yards, while his younger brother Tahrick Peak rushed 2 times for 17, and had a 2 yard reception. Both Cougar fullbacks, Seth Paris and E.J. Dobbins looked good rushing the ball up the middle. Paris broke a long run late and finished with 50 yards on 5 carries, while Dobbins finished with 39 yards on 4 attempts, as well as a 29 yard reception out of the backfield. Quarterback Luke Watson was 2 of 4 passing for 29 yards and no interceptions.

The Cougars get back to work this Monday as the prepare for the 30th Annual Harvey’s GM Pulaski County Touchdown Classic, the longest running Jamboree of it’s type in the State of Virginia. Action is set to get underway with JV play beginning at 1 pm, and varsity action kicking off at 4 pm.