Opinions can and usually do vary, but numbers and math do not lie. The Pulaski County Cougar football team has put up decent numbers in several categories this season despite their current 4-4 record.
The offense has gone through some tough breaks and have faced several tough defensive units, but have still managed to put up respectable numbers. Defensively, the Cougars have been strong against the running game but not so much against the pass.
Pulaski County has gained 116 first downs this season through eight games (14.5 per game) while holding their opponents to 89 first downs (11.12 per game). That’s a positive.
The Cougars have run the ball 345 times for 2,211 yards, an average of 6.41 yards per carry and just over 276 yards per game. The opposition has run 241 times for 855 yards, an average of 3.54 yards per carry and almost 107 yards per game. That’s a positive.
The Cougars have completed 17-of 39 pass attempts with one interception for 270 yards. That’s an average of 33.75 yards passing per game. The opposition has completed 69-of-127 pass attempts with one interception for 1,144 yards. That’s an average of 143 yards per game. While that’s not unusual for a run-based offense, more passing production would be a plus for the Cougars. Slowing down those opposing air attacks, which many times have resulted in big plays for touchdowns, would also be a huge benefit.
Pulaski County has 2,481 total yards of offense, an average of 310.12 yards per game. The opposition has 1,999 yards total, an average of 249.87 yards per game. That, again, is a positive.
Punting has been positive this season. The Cougars have punted 24 times for a 36.9-yard average. The opposition has punted 27 times for a 29.6-yard average. That’s another positive.
There are things to continue to work on, obviously.
The Cougars have been hit with 46 penalties for 362 yards. The opposition has had 37 penalties for 331 yards. If the Cougars can cut those penalties down, it would be very advantageous. Fumbles have also been an issue. The Cougars have fumbled 22 times and lost 13 of those. The opposition has fumbled 13 times, losing just four. When you add in the interceptions, the Cougars have 14 turnovers and their opposition has five. That needs to be corrected.
Individually, there are also several bright points.
Senior Trevor Burton has run the ball 157 times for 1,165 yards. That’s an average of just under 20 carries per game for 145.62 yards per game. Burton has also scored 23 rushing touchdowns this season, just three short of the season record for rushing touchdowns of 26, held by Craig Hodge from the 1996 season. Burton set a new record for most rushing yards in a game with 308 yards against Hidden Valley this season, and has also scored five touchdowns in two games this season, tying the single game rushing touchdown record that is shared with Hodge, Kwasi Scott, Frank Cobbs, and Kevin Crouse.
Junior quarterback Christopher Gallimore, on top of completing the 17-of-39 pass attempts for 270 yards, has run the ball 99 times for 457 yards. He has three rushing touchdowns to his credit and has passed for two more.
Senior Nathan Pratt has made good on 30-of-32 point after attempts and has done a very solid job with the punting.
Junior Brett Jones, before his injury, ran 25 times for 225 yards and caught three passes for 41 yards. He has scored one touchdown. Sophomore Tanner Mace has run 28 times for 175 yards and caught three passes for 62 yards. He also has one touchdown. Junior Tyler Underwood has 17 carries for 79 yards. Senior Zach Parker has six carries for 49 yards and a special team’s touchdown. Five other Cougars have run the ball, including Kaden Hatch, Bryant Nottingham, Cole Boone, Skylor Boone, and KJ Robinson.
In the latest round of VHSL Power Ratings, the Cougars sit in ninth place. To make the Class 4, Region D playoffs, teams must finish in the top eight. Pulaski County will face Class 5 Patrick Henry (6-2) this week at home and Class 3 Christiansburg (5-3) the following week on the road. A win over either of those teams would likely be enough to secure an eighth seed and give the Cougars another game. Without a win, a long list of unlikely things would have to happen for Pulaski County to extend their season.
EC Glass, Salem, and Louisa County have secured a playoff spot at this point. The teams in positions four through nine are all within striking distance, but need to find wins to secure their spot. GW Danville, who is currently in 10th, is gaining momentum and could make some waves. Mecklenburg County and Blacksburg won’t be able to catch up and will end their seasons November 4.
The seniors will be recognized before the game. This will be the final trip down the 63 steps at Dobson Stadium for Trevor Burton, Zach Huff, Zach Parker, Neel Davis, Alex Hanks, KJ Robinson, Kyle O'Neil, Nathan Pratt, Diego Turner, Alan Fernandez, Sean Wines, Trevor Wright, Evan Alger, and Mohamed Fahmi. Since they’re going to be there and dressed for the occasion anyway, here’s hoping the Cougars go out in style against Patrick Henry and Christiansburg.
Kickoff at Kenneth J. Dobson Stadium/Joel Hicks Field is set for 7 p.m. Friday.