Pulaski County High School - Cougar Pinnacle Yearbook (Dublin, VA)

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Varsity Football Ranked First In State The 9-7 victory was only the second time in history that the Cougars had won without the advantage of a touchdown. The Cougars were back at home to play the 1986 homecoming game with plans to win back the RVD title which had been theirs from 1980-84. Going into the game ranked 1 in the state, their goal was to defeat Salem. The game took place on Halloween at County Stadium in front of what was likely the largest crowd in his¬ tory. “With the new stadium, more fans watched the Cougars play than ever before,” declared Coach Hicks. The Cougars scored first with a 27 yard field goal by Mickey Thomas. Two penalties were called after this, giving the Spartans a total of 30 yards needed to inch up to the goal line. The Spartans scored put¬ ting them ahead 7-3. The Cougars rallied for 71 yards in twelve plays in the first possession of the second half for a touchdown made by quar¬ terback Randy Meredith. This put the Cougars ahead 10-7. Mickey Thomas booted a 48 yard field goal to move the score Concentrating on the game and their opponents, Timmy Mannon, Joe McClellan, and Bobby Payne hope for a victory. up to 13-7. Minutes later Kevin Hen¬ dricks trotted Into the end zone for a touchdown, only to have it called back because of a clip¬ ping penalty. Salem came up with a touch¬ down tying the game; with the extra point good, Salem was up by 1. Time ran short and Salem walked away with a victory. The final score was 14-13. The Cougars walked away from the game in a one point deficit to Salem, but with the playoffs still in sight. “We were behind in the score but we outplayed them in all phases of the game. I think we played a little better than Salem,” commented Coach Hicks. After coming off with a loss to Salem, the Cougars bounced back. The Cougars thrashed the Patriots of Patrick henry, which guaranteed the Cougars a spot in the playoffs. The Patriots were defending RVD champs. The fina score was 31- 7. On to Courtland ... to the playoffs! Courtland was ranked 1 going into the game. The Cougars of Pulaski fell to Court- land, knocking them out of the playoffs. Courtland scored with 2:28 left in the half with no point after, making it 6-0. The score held until fourth quarter. Pulaski scored on a blocked punt. The touchdown was made by Richie Hurst. The score was moved to 7-6 with Pulaski ahead. Interceptions made by Timmy Mannon and Mickey Sarver kept hopes high. Pulaski failed to move the ball well, and on fourth down, pun¬ ter Anthony Akers was called in. A bad snap zoomed over Akers’ head 8 yards deep in the end zone, and a safety was made by Courtland with forty- three seconds left to play. The final score was 8-7 Courtland. The Cougars finished their season with a record of 9-2. “We had a great season. We had ex¬ cellent players and overall atti¬ tude was great. I’m very proud,” said Coach Hicks. The Cougars finished with an outstanding record with the help of many talented players. Five players were named to the all-state team. These players were Richie Hurst, Mickey Thomas, Nick McCrary, James Whitaker, and Dion Hendricks. “We were all like brothers. We had the word pride written all over us and we won with pride and lost with pride,” said Nick McCrary. “The only word to describe this year’s 1986 Cougar Varsity Football team is ... BREATH¬ TAKING! Deep in our hearts we know we’re the best,” commen¬ ted Dion Hendricks. Moving the score up three points, Mickey Thomas shows his kicking ability. — Varsity Football

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1986-87 Varsity Football Team First row: James Hardy, Tommy Turner, Steve Alley, Troy Dalton, Micky Sarver, Timmy Mannon, Mickey Thomas, Randy Meredith, Anthony Akers, Tracy Callis, Rick Mathena, Greg Allen, James Mattox, Blair Smith, Johnny Lovern, Mark Frank. Second row: Tony Barbettini, Jeff Hardy, Bill Lewis, David Gravely, Maurice Cousins, John Stephens, Eddie Ander¬ son, Jimmy Gravely, Bill Holmes, Duane Covey, Derek Taylor, Alan Quesenberry, Jamie Eaves, Dion Hen¬ dricks, Mitch Williams, Darrell Sarver, Vernon Gardner, Chet Jennelle, Richard Hampton, Larry Smith, Dale Mooney. Third row: Kevin Hendricks, Stan Vuicich, David Hardy, Barron Tasker, Shannon Crawford, Chris Scullin, Tommy Masse, Ben Tickle, Joe McClellan, Robby Cox, Robby Hudson, Steve Jefcoat, Barry Gilbert, Scott Vest, Bobby Payne, Randy Jarrells, Casey Nicely, Trey Tilson. Fourth row: Richie Hurst, Ken Doss, David Lawson, James Whitaker, Brad Holston,.William Peak, Nub Porter, Todd Wade, Phillip Long, Jamie Davis, Johnny Back, Jerome Connor, Brad White, Bobby Easter, Jerry Hopkins, B.C. Clark, Rex Gear¬ hart. Fifth row: Coach Freddie Akers, Coach Randy Flinchum, Coach Chuck Marrs, Coach Mark Anderson, Managers: Jenny Goins, Brian Lane, Lester Kimbrough, Tommy Patterson, Nick McCrary, Curtis King, Erie Mabiy, Jeremy Smith, Blake Nelson, Chris Shay, Kelly Ward, Managers: Erie Wyatt, Kevin Whitaker, Duane Dalton. Coach Don Skeen, Coach Joel Hicks, Coach Mike Scharnus, Coach Clark Reece. Varsity Football P.C.H.S. OPPONENT 38 ANACOSTIA 6 31 DANVILLE 0 31 BLUE FIELD 6 42 CAVE SPRING 21 7 FRANKLIN CO. 3 31 WILLIAM FLEMING 7 41 EASTERN D.C. 6 9 NORTHSIDE 7 13 SALEM 14 31 PATRICK HENRY 7 7 COURTLAND 8 Record 9-2 Varsity Football — 215

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Giving his team instructions, Coach Hicks prepares the Cougars for the second half. Gaining needed yardage for the Cougars, quarterback Randy Meredith is forced to run with the ball. Nailing Salem’s quarterback behind the goal line, Bobby Payne keeps a tight hold and hopes for a safety, but the safety was never called. Punting to the Franklin County defenders, Anthony Akers flies into the air forcing the ball down field. Coaching Randy Meredith for the next offensive plays, Coach Hicks explains what’s needed to keep the ball. Varsity Football — 51 (