JF ready for physical clash with Pulaski

Looking for a hard-hitting clash between two undefeated football teams?

Jefferson Forest is the place to be tonight when the Cavaliers host Pulaski County, seeking to snap a three-game losing streak to the Cougars.

“It’s going to be a hard, physical game,” said JF coach Don Rice, who is off a 3-0 record for the first time since taking over the program in 2004. “It’s going to be a big test for both teams. The team that’s the most physical is going to win this game. Both teams are good. It’s a matter of who can outlast the other. We’ve got to stop their big-play capability.”

Pulaski County, also 3-0, boasts explosive running back Nubian Peak, a Virginia Tech recruit who rushed for 1,378 yards and 16 touchdowns last season, including 242 yards of total offense against the Cavaliers.

“Last year was his breakout year,” Rice said. “He fits into their offense, what they do. He has some speed. Our job is to try contain him the best that we can.”

The Cougars run what Rice considers a flexbone spread, a derivative of the triple option only incorporating the Wing-T.

“It’s not a true option, but what people call a Rocket Sweep,” he said. “They run some dives and traps (but) that’s their main play, the Wing-T, and they get it to (Peak) as wide and deep as they can.”

Pulaski also features Peak’s younger brother Tahrick in the backfield along with quarterback Luke Watson, a transfer from nearby Auburn who has given their Wing-T attack more mobility, and standout 6-foot-3, 290-pound tackle Josh Miller.

Forest, which ran double wing a few seasons ago due to the speed and flexibility of its personnel, has stuck with a multiple-I formation ever since, this season rotating carries between its tailbacks Desmond Goode and Rashad Hall, and fullback Tyler Rosser, also JF’s starting middle linebacker.

JF has the capability of throwing the ball, too, with Hunter Hannell showing poise in the pocket and on play-action plays.

“We have a good quarterback and four very good receivers, including our tight end (6-foot-4, 260-pound Dustin Engledove) and speedsters Mark Carter, Brandon Harrison and Colby Rhodes,” Rice said.

While the Cougars have thrown the ball more than in previous seasons, Rice won’t likely resort to the aerial attack unless the Cavaliers are in need of a comeback.

“We’re going to do what we need to do to win the game,” he said, adding of the running game, “If it ain’t broke, you don’t fix it. That’s what you do.”

Rice anticipates a tight battle in the trenches.

“I think it’s going to be a low-scoring game,” he said. “The person that makes the least mistakes and doesn’t give up the big plays is going to win the game.”

The game pits two teams in different regions — JF in Region III and Pulaski in Region IV — who could potentially meet in the Group AA state playoffs.

“We’re both Division 4 so there is a possibility we could maybe see