Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, November 11, 1995 TAG: 9511130045
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: MIKE ASHLEY SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES
DATELINE: DUBLIN LENGTH: Medium
Such was the story line on a cold Friday night in Kenneth J. Dobson Stadium when the Cave Spring Knights warmed themselves with their own version of the West Coast offense. A calculated, controlled aerial attack allowed Cave Spring to jump to an early lead, but mistakes and turnovers quickly turned this contest into a 49-7 Pulaski County rout.
In a Roanoke Valley District game, the Cougars (7-3 overall, 3-1 RVD) had to win to claim a share of the district crown. Pulaski County was nearly flawless after spotting the Knights a 7-0 lead.
``They crossed us up a little early,'' said Pulaski County defensive end Matt Hull. ``We got it worked out and then got some momentum. This is really good after all we've been through this season.''
Nimble Knights quarterback Jeff Lang completed four passes on a game-opening 80-yard march, the last toss a 6-yard TD to Jason Fox.
After Derrick Hunter's 29-yard kickoff return, the Cougars were crisp, zipping 59 yards in seven rushing plays. Jawan Clark carried the final two yards to tie the score with 2:41 remaining in the first quarter.
That's when the nightmares started for Cave Spring (7-3, 2-2).
``We started off well, but Pulaski County's a good football team,'' said Cave Spring coach Steve Spangler. ``You can't make mistakes because the Cougars are going to capitalize.''
Cougar tackle Jay James recovered a fumble at the Knight 29, and five plays later, Clark was in the end zone again after a 1-yard plunge. A penalty on the ensuing possession helped stall the Knights' offense, and Cougar quarterback Ronald Branch broke loose on a 44-yard run to make the score 21-7 with 6:38 left in the first half.
Branch rushed five times for 109 yards and completed 2-of-4 passes for another 82.
``When they scored first, I think that hyped us up,'' Branch said. ``We knew we had to go right back down and score. We showed them so many plays, I don't think they ever knew what was coming.''
The Cougars chewed up 376 yards rushing, including 88 by Clark on 14 carries. Despite 165 passing yards, including 58 on five receptions by Billy Frantz, Cave Spring did not score again.
Two fumbles, five penalties and an interception by Pulaski County's Ryan Brockmeyer were major culprits as the tide turned Pulaski County's way.
''We made some mistakes, dropping the ball and the penalties,'' Spangler said. ``On defense I thought we had very poor tackling and we overran the plays.''
The Cougars earned a share of their fifth consecutive RVD title, tying with Patrick Henry, and will travel to Brooke Point for a playoff game next week.
''We don't have the talent this year we've had in the past,'' Pulaski County coach Joel Hicks said. ``The kids worked hard and showed what teamwork can do. That makes this one extra-special.''
The Knights already were assured a playoff berth.
\ NOTE: Please see microfilm for scores.
Keywords:
FOOTBALL
Memo: slightly different version ran in the Metro edition.