On Friday night, the Pulaski County Cougars look to regroup after a tough 35-17 loss last week to William Fleming. This week, the Cougars welcome the undefeated and top ranked Amherst Lancers back to Kenneth J. Dobson Stadium. The Lancers visited Dublin last November and knocked off the previously unbeaten Cougars 13-7 in the Division 4 state semi-finals. And there has been very little doubt so far that the 2009 Lancers (4-0, 2-0) are primed and ready for another run at a state championship.

First, the good news for Pulaski County (2-2) is that head coach Jack Turner told me that the kids have had a terrific week of practice following the Fleming loss. The players have not held their heads down over the past four days and they are looking at the Amherst game as another opportunity to get better before River Ridge action begins. There were many chances left on the field that may have led to a victory against the Colonels and the Cougars battled toe to toe for 39 minutes according to coach Turner. But a full four quarters and 48 minutes will be needed against Amherst and Pulaski County will have to play its best game to date if they hope to prevail.

There are so many accolades when trying to describe Amherst that it is difficult to find a place to start. The Lancers are averaging 49.9 points per game while allowing only 9.5 points on defense. The offense has racked up 329.5 yards on the ground and Amherst utilizes two quarterbacks in Anthony Rose and Kirby Anderson who will hurt you with their arms and their feet. Up front the Lancers are not physically imposing but they are quick along the front five and speed best defines what Amherst brings to the Cougars Den.

Amherst head coach Cecil Phillips has said that he expects nothing less than a state championship in 2009, after his Lancers fell short in last year’s title game to Broad Run. And when you have weapons like Rose and running backs like Jamal Glover and Mario Vaughan, it is easy to agree with his optimism. Phillips credits, or blames depending on which side you are on, Pulaski County for the lack of success in the title game. Phillips has stated that his team was physically and mentally beat up after their tough playoff win and he credits the Cougars for being the most physical squad the Lancers faced all year long.

The Cougars did a nice job of cutting down on their penalties in the Fleming loss but a lack of execution on offense with some untimely turnovers ultimately turned the tide. Quarterback Luke Watson will need to find more consistency in the passing game as the Cougars rushing attack may find tough sledding against the Lancers speed. Every opportunity must be taken advantage of Friday night and the defense will need to force some turnovers of its own. The special teams have been very good through four games behind Chase Cook’s kicks and the coverage units have been swarming to the football.

This week will mark the conclusion of the very difficult non-district schedule for the Cougars. And the way the future River Ridge schedule is shaping up, Pulaski County could potentially face up to eight playoff teams in 2009. The players will need the Cougar Nation out in full force Friday night cheering them on so plan on bundling up and being loud supporting the Cardinal and Gold.
If you cannot make it out to Kenneth J. Dobson Stadium this Friday night, be sure to listen to the game on 107 Country PSK (107.1 FM). You can also tune into the action on-line at (WPSK107.com).