After knocking off the Radford Bobcats 19-7 in “The Battle of the Bridge” to open the 2009 season, the Pulaski County Cougars now set their sights on the Northside Vikings. Burt Torrence’s club is coming off a very impressive 28-6 opening night victory at Jefferson Forest. The Vikings dominated the Cavaliers, rushing for 335 yards, while holding Jefferson Forest to just 25 yards on the ground and intercepting three passes.

 

The 2009 version of the Vikings is experienced, huge up front, talented at the skilled positions, and fast on both sides of the football. Northside is a heavy favorite to win the Blue Ridge district, while also being touted as a team that could make a run at a Division 3 championship. Senior tailback Philip Scott leads a very deep and talented set of ball carriers that have been starting since they were sophomores. Scott ran for 159 yards and two touchdowns against Jefferson Forest, while Dustin Phelps added 65 yards, and Blair Johnson tallied 61 more. Northside has three fourths of the state champion 4x100 relay team in its backfield, so the Cougars defensive speed will certainly be tested.

 

The Vikings have a huge offensive line leading the way that also has a lot of game experience. Pulaski County has been known for bringing the key physical attributes in the trenches since this rivalry was renewed in 2007 but now, it is the Vikings who have the size advantages on each front line. The good news for the Cougars is that senior Josh Lambert is expected to play, which should boost the production of the Pulaski County offensive line.

 

One center of focus for Cougars head coach Jack Turner this week has been to cut down on the penalties that haunted the team in the opener at Radford. The Cougars rushed for 203 yards against the Bobcats and the return of tackle Josh Lambert will buoy the ground game which compliments Luke Watson and the Pulaski County passing attack. The Cougars will have to be very versatile on offense against the Vikings and they must find a way to get a push up front against the Vikings.

 

I look for coach Turner and his staff to utilize Watson’s play-making abilities while also switching between the two different formations out of the Wing-T. Jolly Martin only carried the ball seven times against the Bobcats but I expect that he will see more opportunities this week. My major concerns from the press box are focused on the Cougars defense and how they respond and react to the Vikings size and speed on offense. The Vikings will want to run and run early against Pulaski County, as they will attempt to exert their physical advantage when they have the football.

 

The Cougars will be ready for this challenge. Coach Turner feels as if this game will set the tone for his ball club for the remainder of the 2009 season. And if the Cougars can execute, win the turnover battle, and reduce their penalties, there is a very good chance that the Cardinal and Gold will return home to Dublin (2-0). But this will be a battle for four quarters and the team that wins will have to earn the victory.

 

If you cannot make it out to the game in Roanoke, be sure to tune us in on 107 Country PSK with the pre-game show starting at 7:00. You can also tune us in on-line at WPSK107.com.