Pulaski County Runs Away From Northside 27-7
Pulaski County's Nubian Peak heads upfield.
Photo by David Grimes
DUBLIN, VA- Pulaski County scored 20 unanswered points in the final quarter to turn a 7-all tie into a 27-7 non-district football win against Northside Friday night in Dublin.
The Cougars (1-0) received the opening kickoff and methodically marched downfield. Pulaski County would cap off the drive with a 5-yard run by Nubian Peak with 5:46 remaining in the initial quarter.
The second quarter ended a bizarre way that saw a huddle between the officials and then meeting in the middle of the field between the head referee and the head coaches from both teams.
Pulaski County had taken over on downs deep in its own territory; The Cougars drove downfield in hopes of increasing their advantage in the final minute of play. The Vikings appeared to have stopped the Cougars from scoring, as time ran out inside the 10-yard line. However, Northside was whistled for roughing the passer on the play, thus giving Pulaski one more chance to score before the half. The Cougars opted to go for the field goal. Matt Songer's 21-yard field goal was blocked and was recovered by the Viking's Jonathan Anderson, who then trotted the length of the field for an apparent touchdown. But, the score was nullified because an official inadvertently blew his whistle, killing the play. After a discussion, the half ended with Pulaski still leading 7-0.
Northside would tie the game late in the third quarter on a 3-yard run by Anderson.
Pulaski County, thanks to a couple of Northside mistakes, would control the crucial fourth quarter.
The first gift came when Isaiah Martin muffed a punt, which was recovered at the Viking's 6-yard line by Brandon Hazzard. The Cougars took advantage of the mistake when Seth Parrish bullied his way in from the 1-yard line just seconds into the final quarter to give Pulaski a lead they would never relinquish, 14-7.
The second gift was when Northside was stopped on fourth-and-5. Several plays later, E.J. Dobbins scored from a yard out to make it 20-7 after the PAT failed with 4:10 showing. The Cougars would put the icing on the cake, when Nubian Peak, who has committed to Virginia Tech, raced 54-yards to make the final 27-7, Pulaski County.
For the night, Pulaski County finished with 331 yards of offense, while Northside was held to just 67 yards.
Jonathan Anderson led the Vikings' ground game with 25 yards on eight carries. Ryan Keith completed 2-of-7 passes for 20 yards.
Nubian Peak paced the Cougars' rushing attack with 115 yards on 13 attempts and Seth Parrish finished with 94 yards on 21 carries.
Pulaski quarterback Luke Watson, who transferred from Auburn High School, completed 3-of-7 passes for 31 yards.
Northside - 0 0 7 0 - 7
Pulaski - 7 0 0 20 - 27
