The Locker Room August 14, 2009

It didn't start out pretty, and it took a toll on an already young squad, but the 2009 Cougar football team got the chance to get into some of its first scrimmage action on Friday as they traveled to Tazewell County to face the Bulldogs. 

Hello again Cougar Fans, and welcome to another season at cougarfootball.net.  It's hard to believe that it's been about eight months since that cold Saturday last season when the Cougars last set foot on Joel Hicks Field inside Kenneth J. Dobson Stadium, but the time has finally come for what all of us love....COUGAR FOOTBALL!! 

The team had a very productive off season, both in the weight room and during the 7 on 7 camps held over the summer.  Practice officially got underway on August 3rd with the start of two a day practices.  Head Coach Jack Turner had his team in helmets but no pads for the first week, going mainly over fundamentals such as stance, alignment, and conditioning drills.  The team spent time going over the offensive plays and defensive schemes, until finally they got the chance to go into full pads.  Finally, the team got its chance to go through "hamburger drill", and get into some full contact. 

The team traveled to Tazewell on Friday, and faced a Bulldog team that returned all but three starters from last years playoff team.  Coach Turner and his staff knew they were taking a young squad over the mountain, but were hoping to use the scrimmage to get some kids on film and maybe find a few players who would step up.  Shortly after the start of the contest, junior Chad Perry went down and had to be helped off the field.  Perry, who had an outstanding off season in the weight room, was expected to be a contributor in several areas.  Unfortunately, it looks like his season may have ended early, as the early reports are that he has a broken ankle.  Hopefully Chad will be able to make a quick and full recovery, and I'm sure I speak for everyone in the program when we wish him the best.  The injury bug bit again just a few minutes later, when lineman Josh Lambert grabbed his ankle after a play and didn't get up.  Lambert eventually got up on his own power and limped off the field, but early reports for him are that he suffered a high ankle sprain.  Knowing him, Josh won't be out of the mix for too long.  There were a couple of other players banged up during the contest, but it looks like they will all be good to go with a little ice and rest.  Good knee braces that were ordered by trainer Jackie Snell and purchased by the Touchdown Club may have saved at least two knee's. 

With several players, including a key lineman, on the sidelines banged up, it was up to some of the young players on the team to step up and fill those spots.  From looking at things afterwards, it seems like those players did a fine job.  The Cougars ended up scoring several touchdowns during the event, moving the ball both on the ground and through the air well.  The defense held the Bulldogs in check, holding them from crossing the goal line.  This was supposed to be a much improved Bulldog team, but the Cougars performed well against them. 

With that in mind, it should also be said that the Cougar coaching staff had a long list of items to work on when they headed back out onto the practice field on Monday morning.  Both the offensive and defensive lines MUST improve every practice.  Right now, those are both filled with young players, many of whom are still learning the ropes.  "We had 24 players play in their first varsity game today" said Head Coach Jack Turner.  "Our kids are young, and they don't have alot of experience yet, but they work hard and they don't give up.  We also have a team that has very good chemistry.  This kids like each other, and they will lay it on the line for each other.  That's a big plus for us, and will help us as our coaches help the younger players grow.  I'm proud of the way we played today though.  We've still got a long way to go to get to where we want to be, but today was a first step." 

Several players stood out today, but to name one I would have to name them all.  There were several good hits, a couple of good long passes, the running backs ran hard, and it seemed like the linemen got better as the day went on.  The secondary allowed some passes underneath their coverage, but never got beat with a long pass.  There was one other thing that stood out about this scrimmage, and it may be the first time I've seen it in some time.  "We didn't have a single offsides or false start penalty today" said Turner.  "We had a holding call once or twice, but other than that I was happy with our basics.  Now we'll take the film and break it down and make a few changes to our depth chart.  Monday we'll get back to work." 

The Cougars will be at home on Friday August 21st, as they host the Shelor Motor Mile Touchdown Classic.  This looks to be one of the better Classics in a while, with eight teams in the mix.  Junior varsity action is set to begin at noon on the upper practice field, and varsity action will get underway at 2 pm.  Check out our front page for the full schedule, and also be sure to check out the teams roster and photo's. 

It's great to be back here on cougarfootball.net for another season.  I hope you all check back each week for updates from the locker room and an inside look at what you can expect from each weeks opponents, as well as photos and hopefully some video's.  There may also be an added bonus this season, as Cougar fans may finally get something they've been asking for over the years.  107.1 WPSK has finally gotten their stations website up and looking sharp, and one of the features is that you can listen live online.  The last word I was given was that Cougar football WOULD be carried on that stream, allowing Cougar fans around the world the chance to listen in live as Pulaski takes the field this season.  If this is something you appreciate, be sure to send them an email from their site, www.wpsk107.com and let them know about it. 

Check back next week for more info, and until then....as always.....GO COUGARS!!!!

More of Dave's Scrimmage Photos