Game
Article Pulaski
County continues to search for an identity on the offensive side of the
ball this week, as a combination of mistakes and a tougher than expected
Patrick Henry team left the Cougars with a third straight loss. It was
tough to watch at times, especially since you could tell that the Cougars
were just a step away at times. After Patrick Henry came out and scored
ten unanswered first half points, the Cougars kept their heads up and came
out ready to go at the start of the second. After a huge kickoff return by
Keante Houston set Pulaski up deep in Patriot territory, the Cougars were
able to drive the ball into the heart of the Patrick Henry defense, with
quarterback Marcus Johnston taking the ball up the middle and into the
endzone from ten yards out. Zack Akers PAT put the score at 10-7, and
Pulaski County was back in the game. The
defense took the field, and it looked like the Cougars were going to take
over. On third and 15 from deep inside their own territory, the Patriots
quarterback took off on a quarterback counter and didn't stop until he
crossed the goal line 93 yards later. The PAT gave the Patriots a 17-7
lead, but then the wheels started to come off for the Cougars. First the
kickoff was fumbled and PH recovered. Then with 2:47 left in the third
quarter they struck again from two yards out. On the next kickoff the
Cougar returner touched his knee to the ground attempting to field the
ball, and the Patriots defense held and forced a punt. They moved the ball
into Cougar territory, and while the Pulaski defense was able to hold, the
offense sputtered again and gave the ball back. With 7:54 left in the
contest, the Patriots scored a final touchdown on a one yard run. The PAT
put the final score on the board, 31-7 Patrick Henry. First
of all it must be said the Patriots are a much improved team from last
year. Forget the fact that they have a new coach, they played hard and
they executed well. The Patriots were aggressive on defense and moved the
ball well on offense. Their special teams were solid, and they didn't make
very many mistakes. The
Patriots won the stat battle across the board. Pulaski had 28 rushing
attempts for a mere 49 yards, while the Patriots had 57 attempts for 307
yards. Pulaski was 3 of 14 for 33 yards passing, while the Patriots were
10 of 19 for 86 yards. That's 395 total yards for Patrick Henry, and only
82 for the Cougars. Pulaski had 4 first downs, Patrick Henry had 16. The
Cougars did win in one category, as they recovered two fumbles and
intercepted a pass, while the Patriots only recovered the two fumbles. It's hard to find something positive from a loss like this, but the Cougars can't afford to dwell on it as the road is going to get only tougher. Next week the Cougars hit the road to face Richlands. Be sure to check back later in the week for a look at Richlands and how the Cougars match up.
Game Pictures
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