Preview: Amherst County vs. Pulaski County
Pulaski County (12-0) vs. Amherst County (11-1)
Kickoff: 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008
Where: Kenneth J. Dobson Stadium, Pulaski County High School, Dublin, Va.
DUBLIN, VA - Many observers are saying that Saturday's state semifinal game between Pulaski County and Amherst County will be more of a state championship game, as these are two of the best, if not the best teams, in the state.
Saturday's game will feature two head coaches who were teammates in college and both have the highest respect for each other and for their respective teams. "Amherst is a very talented and explosive team," said Pulaski head coach Jack Turner, while his counterpart Amherst head coach Cecil Phillips stated, "Pulaski County has a great football team. He [Turner] has done a tremendous job with the Cougars and I am very proud of what he has accomplished."
In last week's regional finals, Pulaski County thrashed a highly talented Salem team for a 38-0 win in Region IV, while Amherst County pounded Jefferson Forest 40-10 in the Region III title game. In the Cougars victory, they dominated the Spartans with 352 yards of total offense, while holding Salem to just 89 yards of offense. Meanwhile, Amherst out-gained Jefferson Forest, 262 yards to 132.
KEY MATCH-UPS
Amherst's Defense vs. Pulaski's Offense
You cannot stop Pulaski, or Nubian Peak, you can only hope to contain them. The Lancer defense must contain Pulaski County and limit the big plays. Amherst will have to keep the Cougar receivers in front of them. Amherst will have to limit Peak's runs of six yards or more. They will have to keep him bottled up on the inside and away from the corners. The Cougars must be able to move the ball.
Pulaski's Defense vs. Amherst's Offense
The big problem here is...Amherst has not just one or two players that will hurt you on offense, they have five or six running backs/quarterback, who have gained more than 200 yards on the ground this season. The Cougars cannot afford to give up the big play and they have to find a way to keep the Amherst offense off the field.
KEYS TO VICTORY:
FOR AMHERST COUNTY:- Block, tackle, limit turnovers and foolish penalties
- Don't give up the homeroom
- Contain Pulaski and Nubian Peak
FOR PULASKI COUNTY:- Must move the football
- Stop the big play
- Avoid costly turnovers
EXPERT PROGNOSITICATION:
Both of the teams have playoff experience and both know what it takes to be state champions. Amherst comes into Saturday's game as the two-time defending Group AA state champions. Pulaski County has not played in the state semifinals since 2001.
The Cougars come into Saturday's game sporting a perfect 12-0 record, while Amherst's only blemish was a season-opening 24-21 loss to Brookville (12-0), who happens to be playing Saturday in the Group AA, Division 3 state semifinal game against Richlands (9-3).
Last week, I admit, I went against Pulaski County, as I thought Salem would be just a little better and a little hungrier. I was wrong.
Unfortunately, I will have to go against the Cougars again this week. No, it's not the fact that I am an Amherst grad. The big factor here is... the Lancers are the two-time defending state champions and until someone knocks them off, it's hard to pick against them.
Amherst County - 28
Pulaski County - 21
