By Cody Dalton
Sports Correspondent
The “Battle at the Bridge” that was 30 years in the making certainly lived up to expectations, as the Pulaski Cougars were able to use their “ground and pound” running attack to defeat the Radford Bobcats, 19-7, at Lineburg Field on Friday.
The first quarter remained mostly a stalemate, until four minutes to go, when Cougars quarterback Luke Watson connected with receiver Robert Cobbs for a 50-yard touchdown pass on a third down and 19.
The Cougars once again attacked the Bobcats in the second quarter, this time on the ground. Running back Rommell Cobbs would break a 17-yard rush for a touchdown, opening up the Cougar lead to 13-0 after a missed extra point.
Radford would have several opportunities to score before the halftime buzzer, but failed to covert two key throws from quarterback Dontae Carter to receivers D.J. Palmer and Grant Mitchell, both of which were in the endzone.
“It hurts a little bit, but I know they didn’t do it on purpose,” said Radford coach Matthew Saunders. “They did what they were supposed to do, but didn’t catch the ball in the end. It is going to happen sometime. Every opportunity you are going to get, you have to score.”
However, all was not lost. Radford would mount a comeback to start the third quarter. Their drive would lead to a Carter to Michael Goodman 10-yard touchdown pass, cutting the lead to 13-7.
Unfortunately for Radford, the Cougars rushing attack was just too much. Their 203 rushing yards on 47 carries all night would keep the clock running and helped lead to two Matt Songer field goals in the final stanza. The Pulaski win ties the overall series now 2-2-1.
“We played pretty well,” Saunders said. “We had some issues. You can’t do that against a good football team. Overall, I’m not happy to lose, but I thought we played hard. We executed some things nicely.”
Next week, the Bobcats will have another stiff test when they play against Hogoheegee powerhouse George Wythe. The Bobcats won their match up with George Wythe last year, 20-13. The Maroons return two starters on offense and five on defense from a team that went to the Region C Division 2 playoffs before losing 15-14 to Floyd County.
Jacob Sheritz, the Maroons senior quarterback from last year, threw for 1,873 yard last season and 17 touchdowns through the air. With his departure, senior Nathan Kline steps into the huge shoes he left. He will have the help of fellow senior Brandon Atwell, who was Sheritz’s favorite target last year with 11 of his 17 touchdowns
“Atwell is their go to guy,” Saunders said. “He is a good looking kid. I don’t think they are as big as they have been, but it is going to be a typical Radford-George Wythe battle.”
The game will be even more important, as the Maroons are coming off of a tough 29-17 loss against Tazewell under new head coach H.S. Ingo. Both teams will look to capitalize and not fall behind 0-2.
“It is very important we get a win and get it early in the season,” Saunders said. “We have to come out and play. George Wythe is going to be tough. They are open the same date we are. It is very important.”
Eagles look to carry winning momentum into Fort Chiswell game
By Cody Dalton
Sports Correspondent
The Auburn-Craig County game seemed fairly even, with both teams winning two quarters each in the game. Craig County opened up the scoring with a Justin Martin 3-yard touchdown run with 4:48 to go in the quarter.
The Eagles would answer at the beginning of the second quarter, as quarterback Derrick Duncan would connect with Ryne Scott in the end zone for the 18-yard score. Duncan would once again connect a pass with Scott for the two point conversion, giving the Eagles an 8-7 lead heading into the break.
They would pad that lead coming out of the locker room, as running back Michael Spencer scored from 12 yards out. He would lead the Eagles with 122 rushing yards and a touchdown. Another Duncan to Scott connection would lead to a two-point conversion and increased the lead to 16-7.
“A lot of guys played well,” said Auburn coach Phil Collett. “But our seniors – Josh Toney, Zak Blankenship, and Michael Spencer, where exceptional.”
Craig County’s Justin Martin wouldn’t give up though and continued to run hard. He would score a touchdown, making the score 16-13 after a blocked extra point and only 3:48 remaining in the game. The Eagles would keep control and run out the remaining time for the win.
“I’m extremely proud of our guys,” said Auburn coach Phil Collett. “They played hard and they’ve showed a lot of heart. It was a really good win for us.”
Auburn will have another tough test this Friday with a newcomer to their schedule in Fort Chiswell. The Pioneers were 6-4 last year and 3-1 in the Mountain Empire District. However, they will be returning 6 starters on offense and defense and should be a pretty strong opponent for the Eagles.
Running back Chris Rodriguez will be the main challenge. He comes off of a 1,417 yard season with 19 scores. The Pioneers opened up their season with a huge 38-7 win over Rural Retreat.
Mustangs look strong in opener, look for win against Narrows
By Cody Dalton
Sports Correspondent
Eastern Montgomery looked extremely strong against Division 1 competition Bath County. The Mustangs won what could be a potential playoff appearance, 52-27, in Elliston Friday night.
The Mustangs will look to continue their momentum against Narrows. Last season, the Mustangs were defeated by the Green Wave, 26-20. A 6-4 team a year ago, Narrows returns the corps of their offense and defense line, which should be their strong point.
It should help them with their patented rushing attack, which is led by seniors Jake Craft and Aaron Blankenship.
The Green Wave opened up their season at home last Friday with a 21-7 loss to out-of-state opponent Monroe out of Lindside, WV.
(9-2-09)
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