The Pulaski County Middle School Cougar football team has had an outstanding season to this point, but Wednesday the team took their first loss of the season, falling 21-0 to Graham at Mitchell Stadium. With the loss, the Cougars are now 5-1 on the season.
Graham struck first in the final moments of the first quarter. With 51 seconds remaining, a Graham running back broke free for a 37-yard touchdown run. The point after kick made it 7-0 for the G-Men.
The score remained the same until the final seconds of the third quarter. Graham crossed the goal line on a three-yard run with 37 seconds remaining in the quarter. The PAT moved the score to 14-0.
The final points of the night came with 1:33 remaining in the game. Graham pushed the ball methodically downfield, scoring on a one-yard run. The PAT moved the final score to 21-0 for the G-Men.
Outside of the score, the game was much closer statistically. The Cougars earned 10 first downs. Graham had eight. Pulaski County ran the ball 29 times for 178 yards. Graham ran 23 times for 179 yards. The Cougars completed four of 12 pass attempts for 77 yards. Graham completed their only pass attempt of the night for no gain.
The big difference in the game was turnovers. Pulaski County fumbled the ball twice, losing both. The Cougars also threw four interceptions. Graham fumbled five times, but only lost one. Each team was penalized five times for 40 yards each.
Caleb Cregger led the Cougar rushing attack with 12 carries for 56 yards. JD Grubb was close behind with seven carries for 51 yards. Brock Schneider ran five times for 54 yards. Boone Blevins ran three times for 12 yards. Maddox Thompson ran twice for five yards.
Cregger also caught two passes for 67 yards. Grubb caught one for eight yards. Schneider caught one for two yards.
The Cougars will be back in action Thursday, Oct. 6, on the road against William Fleming. Thursday, Oct. 13, the Cougars will host Andrew Lewis in the final game of the season.