Salem-Pulaski write up

[mike salem]

On an uncharacteristically warm early November evening the undefeated teams of Pulaski & Salem met to decide the River Ridge District. Salem Stadium was the site for the big showdown that had the 9,000 in attendance geared up for a good night of football.

Salem received the opening kickoff and started their first drive on the 37. Alex Ramsey started off with 3 runs for 12 yards. Donte Clayborne had a short run before Noah Beckley opened up the passing game with a 19 yard throw to Joseph Quinn. That seemed to open things up as Ramsey had a big 19 yard run. On the next play Clayborne took the handoff 9 yards for the first score of the game, Salem 7-0.

On Pulaski's 1st drive Deangelo Ramsey made his presence known as the Sophomore sacked Pulaski QB Grubb for a 10 yard loss. Salem was able to force a punt and with the return took over on the Salem 35 yard line. Beckley took to the air and found Viante Tucker on a crossing pattern for the 35 yard TD pass, Salem 14-0.

Salem was able to hold Pulaski on their next drive after RB Thomas had 4 short runs for 14 yards, QB Grubb had a 3 yard keeper, and a pass to Brewster that lost a yard.

Salem took over on their own 20 yard line. Ramsey took a handoff and ran 77 yards, coming out of one of his shoes, before being knocked out on the 3 yard line. While Ramsey took a breather, Clayborne took the ball initially trying to go up the middle, but bounced it to the right side for the 3 yard TD, Salem 21-0.

Salem held on the next Pulaski drive and forced the punt. Salem moved the ball 45 yards, but Pulaski forced a fumble and recovered around their own 45. After a couple of short plays, Thomas broke a 53 yard run down the Pulaski sideline for a Cougars TD, Salem 21-6.

Salem took their next possession at the 44 yard line, but Pulaski intercepted Noah Beckley's pass and took over at the 42. Salem defense was able to hold and force a punt.

Salem's next possession started at the 20 and Clayborne took the handoff 80 yards to the house, Salem 28-6.

Both teams had opportunities to put drives together before half, but nothing developed.

After the half, defenses for both teams continued to hold each other. Pulaski was punting into the wind and the ball went up high and got caught by the wind, net result was a 4 yard punt. Clayborne had a 9 yard run to start off the drive. Ramsey took the next handoff 20 yards for a Spartan TD, Salem 35-6.

Salem defense dialed up the blitz on the next possession knowing Pulaski needed to pass. Daniel Ponton and Shaquille Howell both got sacks on the drive forcing the Cougars to punt. Once again the wind wreaked havoc on the punt and with the return and a personal foul for a late hit, Salem took over on the Pulaski 23.

Beckley threw it to Tucker who broke free for the 23 yard TD, Salem 42-6. Salem was able to hold on the next drive to get the ball back. Ramsey had a 13 yard run but fumbled giving the ball back to Pulaski at the 34 yard line of Salem.

Edmonds was able to run it 34 yards in for the TD on the 2nd string defense, Salem 42-13, which concluded the scoring.

 

[momomule]

Well-writen! Thanks!

 

[DinwiddieProud]

On an uncharacteristically warm early November evening the undefeated teams of Pulaski & Salem met to decide the River Ridge District. Salem Stadium was the site for the big showdown that had the 9,000 in attendance geared up for a good night of football.

Salem received the opening kickoff and started their first drive on the 37. Alex Ramsey started off with 3 runs for 12 yards. Donte Clayborne had a short run before Noah Beckley opened up the passing game with a 19 yard throw to Joseph Quinn. That seemed to open things up as Ramsey had a big 19 yard run. On the next play Clayborne took the handoff 9 yards for the first score of the game, Salem 7-0.

On Pulaski's 1st drive Deangelo Ramsey made his presence known as the Sophomore sacked Pulaski QB Grubb for a 10 yard loss. Salem was able to force a punt and with the return took over on the Salem 35 yard line. Beckley took to the air and found Viante Tucker on a crossing pattern for the 35 yard TD pass, Salem 14-0.

Salem was able to hold Pulaski on their next drive after RB Thomas had 4 short runs for 14 yards, QB Grubb had a 3 yard keeper, and a pass to Brewster that lost a yard.

Salem took over on their own 20 yard line. Ramsey took a handoff and ran 77 yards, coming out of one of his shoes, before being knocked out on the 3 yard line. While Ramsey took a breather, Clayborne took the ball initially trying to go up the middle, but bounced it to the right side for the 3 yard TD, Salem 21-0.

Salem held on the next Pulaski drive and forced the punt. Salem moved the ball 45 yards, but Pulaski forced a fumble and recovered around their own 45. After a couple of short plays, Thomas broke a 53 yard run down the Pulaski sideline for a Cougars TD, Salem 21-6.

Salem took their next possession at the 44 yard line, but Pulaski intercepted Noah Beckley's pass and took over at the 42. Salem defense was able to hold and force a punt.

Salem's next possession started at the 20 and Clayborne took the handoff 80 yards to the house, Salem 28-6.

Both teams had opportunities to put drives together before half, but nothing developed.

After the half, defenses for both teams continued to hold each other. Pulaski was punting into the wind and the ball went up high and got caught by the wind, net result was a 4 yard punt. Clayborne had a 9 yard run to start off the drive. Ramsey took the next handoff 20 yards for a Spartan TD, Salem 35-6.

Salem defense dialed up the blitz on the next possession knowing Pulaski needed to pass. Daniel Ponton and Shaquille Howell both got sacks on the drive forcing the Cougars to punt. Once again the wind wreaked havoc on the punt and with the return and a personal foul for a late hit, Salem took over on the Pulaski 23.

Beckley threw it to Tucker who broke free for the 23 yard TD, Salem 42-6. Salem was able to hold on the next drive to get the ball back. Ramsey had a 13 yard run but fumbled giving the ball back to Pulaski at the 34 yard line of Salem.

Edmonds was able to run it 34 yards in for the TD on the 2nd string defense, Salem 42-13, which concluded the scoring.

Your usual good job Mike. Thanks.

 

[shauntclair]

Pulaski has a pretty solid defense and Salem ran right through it. Those Spartans get some big plays. They will be dangerous again in the playoffs.

I keep reading the write ups on the Spartans and those Ramsey kids are big contributors. I'm interested in the Sophomore Ramsey. What are his numbers with regard to size and weight? Production is clearly there. Just looking to see his recruitability.

 

[mike salem]

Pulaski has a pretty solid defense and Salem ran right through it. Those Spartans get some big plays. They will be dangerous again in the playoffs.

I keep reading the write ups on the Spartans and those Ramsey kids are big contributors. I'm interested in the Sophomore Ramsey. What are his numbers with regard to size and weight? Production is clearly there. Just looking to see his recruitability.

6' 201, his brother is 5"11" 216 as a SR. They also have a younger brother in 8th grade to look forward to.

 

[RKE Fan]

Both Ramseys are fantastic football players. A. Ramsey has the moves and vision of a great tailback, but throws blocks and runs over you like the stellar fullback that he is. I love watching him get outside and in front of Clayborne as a lead blocker on sweeps (makes me feel sorry for the secondary that has to deal with that). I've been VERY impressed with D. Ramsey on defense. He's incredibly quick off the edge and has great instincts. He's wreaked havoc in the backfield in the games I've seen. I also saw him break a long run for a TD against Northside. With him, Robinson,Owens, and Fox, Salem will once again have a train of dangerous RB's next year.Like you Shauntclair, I'm interested in D. Ramsey's recruitability. IMO, he's going to be a monster by the time he's a senior.

 

[southbottomU]

Alex Ramsey would make some school very happy if they had an offense that used a fullback====he might also be a great outside linebacker
The younger Ramsey is a sophomore and will be in the backfield with Robinson and Fox next year----he is also a candidate to be a D1 outside linebacker but I hope we get a look at him at tailback from time to time--- Salem will be quite explosive next year with great speed at all skilled positions. Remember that Salem's best receivers are sophomores and they also have great speed (yes --great speed is the right phrase---4.5 or better---all of them except Fox who will be a battering ram). Salem will definitely reload next year.

 

[Tank5449]

Are the Ramsey kids the ones who came from Pulaski County? I had heard some brothers came up through Dublin Middle School football and the family moved to Salem? If so would be nice to have that talent still with the Cougars. Also speaking of Pulaski v Salem crowd size the biggest I've seen was probably 2008 at Pulaski I believe the ticket sales topped 12,000.

 

[Tank5449]

http://cougarfootball.net/season/2008/photos/2008-11-07_Salem/s22-panoramic.jpg

 

[Brewski66]

The Ramsey kids only played at Pulaski one year. They grew up and played in Radford before that. It was a really good catch for Salem. I hated to see them go. They are some great athletes. Radford would of been unbeatable in 1A with them. I think Alex has an offer at Towson.

I think the large crowed really got to some of the Pulaski players. Not trying to make excuses but there was a strong wind in Pulaski's face the second and third qtr. It made it very difficult to pass and punt. It also gave the Salem great field position the whole 2nd and 3rd qtr. Also a key play was the no call on the interference after Pulaski intercepted the ball. If Pulaski connects there or gets the call, it would of been 21 to 13 and Pulaski with the momentum. Still not sure if Pulaski could of won but I think the game would of given Pulaski a lot on confidence.

 

[redzone4us]

maybe pulaski co. will get a chance to redeem themselves in a couple of weeks. that's odd though, that the wind affected one team and not the other. i hate when that happens.

 

[Brewski66]

The wind did get worse as the game went on. Also, it did not effect Salem because they did not need to punt or pass. I am not saying that Pulaski would of won but it did give Salem a short field and really limited Pulaski throwing the long bomb that they have done alot this year.

 

[meatchop08]

The wind did get worse as the game went on. Also, it did not effect Salem because they did not need to punt or pass. I am not saying that Pulaski would of won but it did give Salem a short field and really limited Pulaski throwing the long bomb that they have done alot this year.

I am not exactly sure what game you were watching but I personally do not believe the crowd or the wind had anything to do with what happened in Salem and yes those are an excuse. The reason they (Salem) did not have to punt or pass was because they completely DOMINATED every facet of the game and controlled the line of scrimmage all night long. I think PC should be thankful they did not get beat worse than they did. The holes the offensive line were opening up you could drive a Mack truck through so why would you throw the ball? As far as PC not being able to throw the "long bomb" as you say the reality is the teams they did that against and in several cases had to do that in order to win the game were NOT Salem and based on what I seen Friday it would not have mattered at all and if PC has to rely on the "long bomb" they are in trouble anyway. The Spartans were the first "quality" team PC has played all year (outside of maybe NS) IMO and it showed. The fact is after seeing Salem dismantle PC it was clear to me and other PC fans that I was with that they (Salem) are on a whole different level and I do not see the outcome being much different when or if there is a rematch. I would think PC should have their focus on Amherst and not looking toward any so called rematch because if they look past Amherst the season will end this Friday. Good luck to all..

 

[Amgis]

Y

I am not exactly sure what game you were watching but I personally do not believe the crowd or the wind had anything to do with what happened in Salem and yes those are an excuse. The reason they (Salem) did not have to punt or pass was because they completely DOMINATED every facet of the game and controlled the line of scrimmage all night long. I think PC should be thankful they did not get beat worse than they did. The holes the offensive line were opening up you could drive a Mack truck through so why would you throw the ball? As far as PC not being able to throw the "long bomb" as you say the reality is the teams they did that against and in several cases had to do that in order to win the game were NOT Salem and based on what I seen Friday it would not have mattered at all and if PC has to rely on the "long bomb" they are in trouble anyway. The Spartans were the first "quality" team PC has played all year (outside of maybe NS) IMO and it showed. The fact is after seeing Salem dismantle PC it was clear to me and other PC fans that I was with that they (Salem) are on a whole different level and I do not see the outcome being much different when or if there is a rematch. I would think PC should have their focus on Amherst and not looking toward any so called rematch because if they look past Amherst the season will end this Friday. Good luck to all..

You are correct, Salem was the better team that night. I think what Brewski was saying about the crowd is that the Cougars at times appeared to be wide-eyed by the magnitude of the game.

The atmosphere Friday night was one of the best I have ever experienced for a high school game. The roar from the crowd as each team came out of the fieldhouse was amazing! Friday night was truly a major event for both sides. Salem has played in and has experience in games like this so it was just another day at the office for them. The majority of the kids for the Cougars hadn't experienced this and it seemed to show in their play. Now that is not to take anything away from Salem, they did dominate both sides of the line and were the better team, but our kids did seem to be affected by the big stage.

The hope is that the Cougars continue their upward trend so that big games like this become commonplace for them on a yearly basis. Their next opportunity comes this Friday against an Amherst team that should command their complete focus. Any attempts at looking ahead to a rematch will lead to a loss.

 

[Shabutie]

The Ramsey kids only played at Pulaski one year. They grew up and played in Radford before that. It was a really good catch for Salem. I hated to see them go. They are some great athletes. Radford would of been unbeatable in 1A with them. I think Alex has an offer at Towson.

I think the large crowed really got to some of the Pulaski players. Not trying to make excuses but there was a strong wind in Pulaski's face the second and third qtr. It made it very difficult to pass and punt. It also gave the Salem great field position the whole 2nd and 3rd qtr. Also a key play was the no call on the interference after Pulaski intercepted the ball. If Pulaski connects there or gets the call, it would of been 21 to 13 and Pulaski with the momentum. Still not sure if Pulaski could of won but I think the game would of given Pulaski a lot on confidence.

That wasn't even close to pass interference. The play happened right in front of me and I have no idea why the Pulaski fans were going crazy. The Salem DB didn't look back at the ball but the WR didn't actually force contact and come back to the ball enough. It really wasn't even close.

And the wind, really? Salem was against the wind in the 1st quarter and easily complete a deep TD pass.

 

[Shabutie]

I am not exactly sure what game you were watching but I personally do not believe the crowd or the wind had anything to do with what happened in Salem and yes those are an excuse. The reason they (Salem) did not have to punt or pass was because they completely DOMINATED every facet of the game and controlled the line of scrimmage all night long. I think PC should be thankful they did not get beat worse than they did. The holes the offensive line were opening up you could drive a Mack truck through so why would you throw the ball? As far as PC not being able to throw the "long bomb" as you say the reality is the teams they did that against and in several cases had to do that in order to win the game were NOT Salem and based on what I seen Friday it would not have mattered at all and if PC has to rely on the "long bomb" they are in trouble anyway. The Spartans were the first "quality" team PC has played all year (outside of maybe NS) IMO and it showed. The fact is after seeing Salem dismantle PC it was clear to me and other PC fans that I was with that they (Salem) are on a whole different level and I do not see the outcome being much different when or if there is a rematch. I would think PC should have their focus on Amherst and not looking toward any so called rematch because if they look past Amherst the season will end this Friday. Good luck to all..

I agree, PC was also very fortunate that Beckley was off in that game. Missed some wide open receivers to stop drives and a wide open Tucker for a TD. That was probably his worst game of the season but I still think he is doing a fine job.

 

[Shabutie]

Alex Ramsey would make some school very happy if they had an offense that used a fullback====he might also be a great outside linebacker
The younger Ramsey is a sophomore and will be in the backfield with Robinson and Fox next year----he is also a candidate to be a D1 outside linebacker but I hope we get a look at him at tailback from time to time--- Salem will be quite explosive next year with great speed at all skilled positions. Remember that Salem's best receivers are sophomores and they also have great speed (yes --great speed is the right phrase---4.5 or better---all of them except Fox who will be a battering ram). Salem will definitely reload next year.

Younger Ramsey actually looks faster than Alex and they definitely have a little bit different running styles. I'm not normally somebody that talks much about the younger kids that haven't played meaningful snaps but Robinson looks like the real deal. Does anyone know how big his parents are? I know he is small now and is a freshman but I was a 5'4 110 pound Fr and a 6'3 220 pound senior so I know a lot can change.

 

[mike salem]

That wasn't even close to pass interference. The play happened right in front of me and I have no idea why the Pulaski fans were going crazy. The Salem DB didn't look back at the ball but the WR didn't actually force contact and come back to the ball enough. It really wasn't even close.

And the wind, really? Salem was against the wind in the 1st quarter and easily complete a deep TD pass.

From where I was sitting upstairs it looked like the DB had an arm on the WR and may have held. In the overall scheme of things it wouldn't have mattered anyway. Salem was dominant on both sides of the ball on the line. Holes were big for the backs and Pulaski had no answer for the pressure being applied by the Ramsey brothers, Howell, Fox, and Close.

 

[momomule]

I like Alex Ramsey as a young person and as a player. He is getting some looks, and it will be interesting to see where he ends up next. There are quite a few players on Salem's team who are hearing from colleges. Some of them have grades, skill, and good discipline going for them. Won't be long, and we will know how it all shakes out for these boys.