Bryant Nottingham scores on a touchdown run against Blacksburg in 2024.
Troy Sarver/Patriot Publishin
A familiar face will be behind center when Pulaski County begins its 2025
season. He just won’t be directly under the center.
Bryant Nottingham returns as starting quarterback after a junior season that saw
him throw for over 500 yards in nine games leading a Cougar offense that averaged
23.5 points a contest.
While Nottingham worked primarily under center as a junior, Pulaski County head
coach Cam Akers made the decision in the offseason to switch to an offense run out of
shotgun formation.
“I wanted to move to something that was more quarterback friendly. When you
are under center your reactions have to be faster, but when you back the quarterback
up it slows things down and allows them to make clearer reads in an option offense,”
Akers, who also serves as the Cougars’ play caller, said. “At the end of the day it’s
about execution whether you’re running from under center or shotgun.”
In Nottingham, Akers believes he has the right guy in place to make this switch.
The head coach added he’s putting a lot on the senior’s plate this season. Along with
quarterbacking duties, Nottingham will be a boundary corner on defense, punter,
placekicker, and team leader.
“It all starts with his leadership. He (Nottingham) is a leader of the program who
leads by example. He’s learned how to handle high pressure situations,” Akers said.
“I’ve got the keys to the offense, but he has the spare keys.”
One thing Nottingham will not have this year is running back Trevor Gallimore.
Gallimore, who was a First Team All-District and All-Region 3D Second Team selection
after rushing for over 1,000 yards in 2024, was lost to graduation. His role will likely be
picked up by a combination of junior Maddox Thompson in the backfield and slot backs
Sammy Carrasco and Carter Wilson.
Completing the lineup at the skill positions will be Parker Price at tight end,
Robbie White at the “X” position and Malachi Burton at the “Z” position.
While Akers says the Cougars will stay true to their offensive approach of running
the football, the combination of Nottingham and capable receivers like Carrasco and
Wilson will open up the Cougars’ passing attack as well.
“When you have a quarterback that throws the ball as well as we have you have
to take advantage of it, but we will not get away from the run game. That’s what we are,”
Akers said.
Providing the running room for the rushing attack is an offensive line that Akers
said during pre-season practices was “still a work in progress.” He was confident that
part of the team would gel after an offseason of hard work in the weightroom.
“We have about 52-55 people on the roster, and we had about 85 percent of our
team in the weightroom in our offseason program,” Akers said. “A good season in the
weightroom helps you to have a foundation.”
Starting the season on the O-line for the Cougars will be left tackle TJ Scott, left
guard Caiden Worley, center Matt Coleman, right guard Chris Hayden and right tackle
Aden Drummonds.
A lot of pre-season questions about the Cougars’ offense could be answered
when Pulaski County plays at home for the first time this season in a benefit game
against Franklin County Friday, August 22 beginning at 6 p.m.
The regular season begins a week later when the Cougars travel to Northside. In
last year’s season opener in Dublin, the Vikings rallied from a 21-0 deficit to knock off
Pulaski County, 28-21.
“It was a heartbreaking loss last season,” Akers season. “They (Northside) have
great team speed and a solid scheme. We’re excited for the opportunity.”
Game-time on Friday, August 29 at Northside will be 7 p.m.
