The Locker Room November 2, 2011

In sports there are always certain games that seem to matter just a little bit more. This week, Pulaski County will take part in just such a game, as they renew their annual rivalry with the Salem Spartans in the final game of the regular season .  

"When I was here, we didn't get to play Salem my junior and senior year, because they had moved to AA" said Cougar Head Football Coach Todd Jones. "I remember we wanted to play them, but the schedules just didn't work out I guess. It's a healthy rivalry. We always seem to play each other hard, and the team that is supposed to win doesn't always win. I think there is a mutual respect involved between the teams, as both programs have solid histories and programs, and we both like to win bragging rights each year."  

The Pulaski vs. Salem game can bring back some great memories, and some that are not so great. In 1992, Pulaski won the AAA Division 6 State Championship, but lost 22-29 to the Spartans. In 2008, with an undefeated regular season and a district title on the line, the Cougars came from behind to defeat the Spartans 34-24 in front of a huge crowd the stormed the field after the game at Kenneth J. Dobson Stadium. These are only a few of the many that could be named.  

Pulaski leads the series against Salem 19 games to 17, with Pulaski winning last season 21-13. Salem started out the season on the road with a 29-13 win over the Lord Botetourt Cavaliers. Week two found the Spartans in Rocky Mount facing the Franklin County Eagles, were they lost a hard fought 13-14 contest. A 27-13 win over William Byrd and a 27-17 loss to the Northside Vikings left the Spartans at 2-2 with some key injuries in their lineup and questions still needing to be answered. A 21-0 win over William Fleming and a superb second half effort in their 29-26 come from behind win over Cave Spring seemed to give Salem some confidence going into the River Ridge District portion of their schedule. After thrashing Blacksburg 55-0, the Spartans traveled to Christiansburg, where the Blue Demons put together a late game drive to run out the clock and defeat the Spartans 42-36. Last week, Salem hosted the Hidden Valley Titans, and after a 3-3 halftime tie, the Spartans were able to score in the fourth quarter to take home the 10-3 victory.  

The Spartans will come out and do what they've always done on offense. They will run the ball, mostly behind the running of standout fullback (#6) 5'11", 209 pound senior Marty Bishop, who put up 244 yards against Christiansburg and has over 1,000 yards and well over 30 touchdowns on the season. They will mix in a passing game that has been efficient enough to keep the opposing defense honest, with (#14) 6'5" 198 pound Matt Hill taking the snaps after passing for almost 200 yards against Christiansburg. He had a bit of a tougher week last week against Cave Spring, going 3 of 10 for only 28 yards with 2 interceptions.  

The Spartans also have a young but much improved offensive line, with three sophomores and two juniors manning the front. "These guys are big enough, fast enough, and fundamentally sound" said Jones. "Salem is going to come out and run most of the time, but they'll mix in just enough of the pass to keep you guessing. Bishop is a tough one to tackle, and he likes to run over people when he can. It's going to be a heck of a test for our defense. Our guys are going to have to read their keys and wrap up on the tackles. We can't have mistakes or missed tackles."  

Defensively, the Spartans are quick to the ball and solid tacklers. While it's not known what role he will play yet, the Spartans do have junior quarterback and safety (#3) Chad Fisher back from an early season injury. Other key defensive players for the Spartans will be (#2) 5'11" 198 pound senior strong safety Mic Edwards, (#6) Bishop, (#9) sophomore defensive back Devante Payne, (#10) junior cornerback Arius McConnell, (#15) junior cornerback Jaelen Daniels, and (#26) sophomore cornerback Chandler Hunt. The defensive line is big and physical, with a quickness to get into the opposing teams backfield.  

"If we want to have our running game work, we are going to have to be able to pass some" said Coach Jones. "We can't sit back and try to run it every down and allow Salem to key on our backs with worrying about the pass. They are a solid team, well coached, and they play hard. The fans should be in for a good game."  

So with this being the final week, it would be very easy for a team and a coach to get caught looking ahead to the playoffs. Pulaski currently sits in the sixth place spot in Region 4, with 16.22 points. Christiansburg is ranked first, with 26.77 points, followed closely by Magna Vista with 26.66 points. Third seed belongs to Salem with 24.11 points, followed by Hidden Valley at 20.77 points and Bassett with 18.33 points. From the way it looks, win or lose the Cougars will make a return trip to Salem Stadium for the first week of the playoffs.  

"We're not even thinking about that yet" said Jones. "I know there are some folks out there that don't like a team with one or two wins getting into the playoffs, but that's not our decision. Last year, we could have hosted a home playoff game, but because of everything that happened we were held out. We didn't like missing the playoffs then, and we wouldn't like missing them this year. I don't care if we've won one game or ten, we are going to get ready each week like we always do and go out there and try to win it. If we get into the playoffs, then we'll get ready for it and play that game. I think the fact that we're still in contention for the playoffs is proof that there's something to be said for strength of schedule. These kids have worked hard, and if we get in then we'll do everything we can to advance. I'm as proud of this team as I've ever been of any team. They've never given up, and they've never quit. That's the kind of kids we have here, and I'm proud to be their coach."  

Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm at Salem Stadium.