Carter Wilson makes a tackle against Blacksburg. Brian Bishop/The Patriot
TROY SARVER
Patriot Publishing
Last season was a year of transition for the Pulaski County defense as the
Cougars implemented a new defensive scheme to mixed results.
After playing a 3-4 defense in 2023, the Cougars switched to either a 4-4 or 4-2-5
defense depending on their opponent. There were early season struggles with the
switch, but in the second half of the year there were signs of improvement that head
coach Cam Akers hopes will carry over to this fall.
“We did see some improvement. You should never look as good in Week 1 as
you should in Week 10,” Akers said of his defense.
Facing a tough schedule Pulaski County gave up an average of just over 41
points per game in a six-game losing streak to start the season. In the last four games,
however, the Cougars rebounded, giving up just an average of 14 points in three
victories. The highlight of those wins was in the season finale where the defense held
Cave Spring scoreless in the second half as Pulaski County rallied from a 16-13
halftime deficit to win 20-16.
The momentum of that season-closing win is something the Cougars were
looking to build off of in offseason workouts. Fundamentals were being expressed in
particular by coaches.
“We have to be more physical. We need a physical mentality and need them to
build really good habits on their keys where once they’ve made their read, they have
good pursuit to the ball,” Akers said. “They need eye discipline where they can execute
where we are supposed to.”
The “quarterback” of the defense will be senior Carter Wilson who will be making
the defensive calls this season.
“He (Wilson) is a prototypical defender. He is good in coverage, and he is also a
thumper when making tackles,” Akers said.
The defensive line that will receive Wilson’s calls includes ends Parker Price and
Kingston Mckinnon and defensive tackles Aden Drummonds and T.J. Scott. Wilson’s
fellow linebackers consist of Kayne Miller, Andrew Haga and Illajah Salaam.
The secondary will be headlined by senior Bryant Nottingham from his boundary
corner position.
“He’ll be in a lot of man coverage,” Akers said of Nottingham. “When he makes a
mistake, everybody sees it.”
Joining Nottingham in the secondary will be fellow corner Robbie White and free
safety Jackson Squires.
Nottingham’s biggest contributions, though, may come from his foot as punter
switching field position. He is drawing interest from colleges after being named All-State
last season, averaging 43 yards a punt with two kicks of over 58 yards.
“He is an elite punter. Nobody hits it like he does,” Akers added.
Nottingham will also be among the 5 to 6 players Akers expects to see significant
time on the field on both sides of the ball.
Beginning his fourth season as head coach Akers says his squad is not looking
at any long-term expectations for the season, but instead are taking a week-to-week
approach as they look to build on a foundation that’s been established within the
program.
“I love this place, the kids, and the staff. We also have a great administration,”
Akers said. “We just want to make the community proud and build young men of
character.”
After a benefit game at home against Franklin County on August 22, Pulaski
County plays four of their first five games on the road. The home opener will be on
September 19 against Staunton River at 7 p.m.
