REMATCH: Salem vs. Pulaski County
When undefeated (11-0) Pulaski County and (9-2) Salem play Friday night, all eyes around the state will be on the outcome. Check out GamedayNRV.com for the recap of this playoff bout and rematch from the regular season.....
Photos By: David Grimes / GamedayNRV.com
Pulaski County is a perfect 11-0 this year, and that includes a win over Salem in the regular season. The atmosphere on Friday night will be one of the best in the state in this high powered rematch.
Photo By: David Grimes / GamedayNRV.com
# 1 Pulaski County (11-0) vs. #2 Salem (9-2)
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov.21, 2008
Where: Kenneth J. Dobson Stadium, Pulaski County High School, Dublin, Va.
DUBLIN, VA - In what many observers are saying will be the biggest game of the year in Southwest Virginia, and maybe all of Virginia, Friday night's rematch between the Pulaski County Cougars and the Salem Spartans will be for the Group AA, Region IV, Division 4 Title.
Friday night's game will mark the second time that these two teams have squared off this season, with the Cougars winning the first meeting, 34-24 on the final night of the regular season to win the River Ridge District title. One thing is for sure, the stands will be packed and standing room will even be hard to come by. I would expect everyone in Pulaski County and Salem to be at the game. So if you're not a football fan, it would be good night to eat out or go shopping.
In last week's regional semifinals, Pulaski County pounded Blacksburg for a 42-0 win, while Salem thrashed Bassett 41-0 in the other semifinal game. In the Cougars victory, they dominated the Bruins with 343 yards of total offense, while holding the Bruins to just 78 yards of offense. Meanwhile, Salem out-gained Bassett, 360 yards to 173.
You can throw out what happened when these two teams met at the end of the regular season, Friday night's game will come down to this, defense, defense and defense.
KEY MATCH-UPS
Pulaski's Defense vs. Salem's Offense
Will Pulaski County be able to stop the offensive attack of Salem junior quarterback Hunter Sturgill, who made his third start of the season after stepping in for injured senior Derrick Hickman. Sturgill completed 8 of 10 passes against Bassett for 202 yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, Kirk Coles rushed for three touchdowns and 65 yards against the Bengals.
Salem's Defense vs. Pulaski's Offense
Can Salem stop the passing of junior transfer quarterback Luke Watson, who has broken the Cougar single-season passing record in his first year on the team? If the Spartans do stop the air attack, will they be able to stop the ground game of Virginia Tech recruit Nubian Peak, Seth Parrish and E.J. Dobbins? The trio combined for 330 yards rushing against Blacksburg last week?
KEYS TO VICTORY:
FOR SALEM:
- Stop the air attack of Watson
- Contain the backfield of Peak, Parrish and Dobbins
- Avoid a second half collapse
FOR PULASKI COUNTY:
- Keep the ball on the ground
- Stop the big play
- Avoid costly turnovers
EXPERT PROGNOSITICATION:
Both of these teams have a wealth of playoff history and experience playing in the big game. Salem's only two losses this season have been to Brookville, who is playing in the Region III, Division 3 Title game, and to this same Pulaski team in the final game of the regular season for the River Ridge District title.
I would give the edge to Pulaski County, just because of the home field advantage. However, Salem is hungry, maybe just a little more than the Cougars. This game will come down to the team that plays for an entire 48 minutes and makes the least mistakes. A big play will decide this one and if that's the case, I have to pick Salem.
Salem - 24
Pulaski - 21
