Members of the Cougar Football coaching staff, assisted by current and former player volunteers, have been working with coaches from the Pulaski County Parks and Recreation Department to help them learn the system used at the middle school, JV, and varsity levels. Saturday the coaches came together with the Cougars for the second time, using a combination of film footage and walk-through demonstrations by the players, to learn about the basics.
"We want them to know that we acknowledge and greatly appreciate the work they do with our youngest athletes," Cougar Football Head Coach Cam Akers said. "These coaches can be the difference between players sticking with football or giving it up. We want them to be confident in what they're doing, and we want to empower them with the knowledge they need to find success. Our rec programs have been very successful through the years, but we want to see them take it to the next level."
Each year, Pulaski County teams up with several other nearby rec departments to host the New River Valley Youth Football League. Teams play a series of regular season games at various locations throughout the New River Valley, then a playoff series is held. Last year, for the first time, all teams made the playoffs. Seedings were determined with a lottery system in each of the age divisions, and a championship game was held at the end for the two final teams.
The championship is named after former Pulaski County recreation employee Eddie Sutphin, who spent decades promoting and facilitating youth sports in Pulaski County and beyond. Last year, the Eddie Sutphin Memorial Super Bowl was held at Blacksburg High School. The three age groups, Mite, Junior, and Senior leagues, each play their championship game.
Last year, Pulaski County had a team playing in the Mite League game and the Junior League game. For the Junior League, the Cougars came up just short. The Mite League Cardinal Cougars pulled out a big win to earn the big trophy.
"We want to continue to build the relationship with the rec league teams. We want them to know that they matter and we support them," Coach Akers said. "They all wear that gold helmet now. They are a vital part of our program. Without those younger players coming up through the system, we can't refill the ranks."
During the clinic, Coach Akers and his staff helped the rec league coaches learn about everything from stance and alignment to how to efficiently run a practice. They gave demonstrations on proper form, ways to maximize practice time, and how to get the most from their players.
"I came up through the same system," Coach Akers said. "So did the other coaches. I remember standing on the sides and at the bottom of those steps on Friday nights and popping those big players on the shoulder pads as they headed onto the field. Pulaski County is a pretty special place on Friday nights in the Fall. We've got a lot of programs in our school system that are moving in the right direction. We have every intention of continuing along the right path. Cougar Football needs to win, but we need to do it the right way so we can sustain it. Helping our younger players is a key part of that, and we will continue doing it."
For more pictures, see the photo gallery on the Pulaski County Public Schools Facebook page at this LINK.