By MIKE WILLIAMS
Patriot Publishing
The Pulaski County Cougars open their 2024 high school football season on Friday night against a familiar opponent, the Northside Vikings.
The Cougars enter the contest riding a four-game winning streak against the Vikings, including last year’s opening 42-7 victory in Roanoke. The Cougars have won seven of their last nine games against old rival Northside.
In last season’s big win, Pulaski County totaled 417 yards on offense, while Northside only managed 151 yards.
Cougar head coach Cam Akers expects it to be more difficult for his players this time around.
“They (Northside) are a much better football team than last year,” Akers said Wednesday. “They are fast on the field and have dynamic athletes. We have to play our best football. They have been young the last few years. The guys have gotten older and we have to play good football to beat them.”
The Vikings – led by head coach Scott Fisher, who is in his eighth season – finished the 2023 season with a 2-8 record. Not very good, however, Northside was able to end a 13-game losing streak during the season. They play in the Blue Ridge District in Region 3C.
The Vikings this season have eight top leaders, including Javin Gibson at quarterback and Mykell Harvey at running back.
The Vikings’ defense features four key veteran starters, including defensive tackle Logan Saul, defensive end Cooper Mullady, defensive end Curtis Burns and inside linebacker Dakota Kelly.
Not everyone on the Cougars is at 100 percent.
“We have some kids who are questionable, but I wouldn’t say they’re necessarily out,” Akers said. “We have some kids who are banged up, but they’re tough and plan to play unless something happens right before we get out there.”
There is a change in the offense: Junior Blake Ratcliffe (1.93 m, 102 kg) will start as left guard on Friday evening.
Other starters and substitutes are:
Left Tackle: Riley O’Neal, 6′ 205 lbs.
Middle: Hunter Hill, 5’11” 215 lbs.
Right Guard: Noah Hinkley, 5’9″ 268 lbs.
Right Tackle: Javontae Jackson, 5’8″ 240 lbs.
Split Ends: Caleb Cregger, 1.88 m, 76 kg, and Alex Warden, 1.75 m, 68 kg.
Tight End: Parker Price, 1.85 m, 95 kg.
Slot backs: Chase Lawrence, 6’1″, 200 lbs., and Carter Wilson, 5’7″, 145 lbs., alternate at right. Taner Mace, 6’1″, 165 lbs., and Sam Carrasco, 5’5″, 135 lbs., left.
Super backs: Trevor Gallimore, 5’11” 193 lbs. and Savion Thompson, 6’1″ 192 lbs.
Quarterback: Bryant Nottingham, 1.85 m, 84 kg.
Starters and substitutes in defense are:
Nose: Noah Hinkley, 5’9″ 268 lbs.
Tackle: Chase King, 5’9”, 205 pounds.
Stallion: Aden Drummonds, 1.93 m, 109 kg.
End: Gavin Lytton, 5’9″ 185 lbs.
Fullback (Whip): Savion Thompson, 1.85 m, 86 kg.
Boundary outside linebacker: Chase Lawrence, 1.85 m, 93 kg.
Centre backs: Hunter Hill, 1.80 m, 97 kg, and Trevor Gallimore, 1.80 m, 88 kg.
Field corner: Taner Mace, 5’11” 161 lbs.
Corner: Bryant Nottingham, 1.85 m, 84 kg.
Nottingham is responsible for place kicks, kickoffs and punts.
Holder is backup QB Isaiah O’Dell.
Long snapper is Chase Lawrence.
The Cougars are looking to build on last season’s 4-7 season, which ended with a playoff loss to William Byrd.
After Northside, the Cougars have a week off before hosting the Lord Botetourt Cavaliers on September 13th.
