County Rivalry Game Thursday

Orioles and Dukes To Play Thursday
By David Gravely

One team has found success on the scoreboard while one team has struggled, but all of that goes out the window this Thursday as the Dublin MIddle School Dukes play host to the Pulaski Middle School Orioles at Dublins Soldiers Field in the season finale for both teams.

Pulaski Middle School, led by Head Coach Donald "Littleman" Baylor, have found the going tough this season to say the least.  The Orioles are coming into the contest winless, but there have been sparks of life throughout the season.  Quarterback Brandon Walters has been able at times to move his offense, but it has seemed like there was a piece missing at times in their attack.  Defensively the Orioles are known as hard hitters who are quick to the ball, but in most games their length of time on the field has caused problems.

"Our kids have worked hard this season, and while we would love to have been able to win a few games the kids have never given up" said Coach Baylor.  "Our main goal has been to continue getting better each week, and I think we've done that.  I think the Orioles are going to send a good group of hard working kids to the high school for next season."

Dublin Middle School, led by Head Coach Richard Lewis, are coming into the game with a respectable 5-2 record.  The Dukes have been effective on offense, scoring 178 total points.  Several players have stood out for Dublin this season, but of those Malik Eaves has seemed to be the offensive "go to" guy.  Eaves comes into this weeks game with over 20 touchdowns.  The Dukes have won by large margins in some games, but have also had to come from behind in a few to get the win.  Defensively, the Dukes have also performed well with several goal line stands and numerous forced fumbles and interceptions.

"We don't have very many big kids, but we have had a good group of kids that have worked hard and played as a team" said Coach Lewis.  "I'm very proud of the way our team has battled throughout this season.  They ran hard, they hit hard, and they never quit.  We're all looking forward to seeing these young men move on to the next level at the high school."

For years, the Pulaski vs Dublin game has been the game that players from both teams have looked forward to the most.   Fans who may not come to any other game during the season find a way to make it out to this game.   This is the County rivalry game that has a history dating all the way back to the days of the old Pulaski High School and Dublin High School.   Unfortunately, at times there have also seemed to be some pretty intense bad feelings surrounding this rivalry.  From talking to current players, parents, and coaches....those times may be over.

Plans are currently being put together for a tailgate for players from both schools before the game against Hidden Valley next week.  Next week is also recreation league and middle school recognition night at the high school, and all players will be recognized prior to the game.  This season, for the first time ever, the middle school players are planning to walk down the steps side by side.....black and orange jersey beside blue and white.....as a sign of unity as they look forward to becoming team mates in the coming future.

One current player put it best when talking about the game.  "When we go out on the field or the court, we're going to play as hard as we can.  We want to win.  When all that's over with though, we'll shake hands and get ready.  We've worked all our lives for what's about to happen.  We are finally going to be Cougars, and that's all that matter."

Game time at Dublin's Soldiers Field is set for 5 pm on Thursday.