Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Gurdon Likely Playoff Bound

This is the time of year championships are won or lost.

If players don't give it every bit of effort they have now, in spite of the extreme heat, they won't be able to when it counts on the field.

Gurdon's Go-Devils should have no problem going beyond the regular season this year, as the players have been pushing themselves to the limit during practice sessions.

Gurdon Coach John Pace said the practices have been going good, considering the heat, but the players returned to practice with good attitudes.

This year the Devils are in better shape than they were at the start of the 1999 season. This is because most of the players are healthy. One notable exception is Josh McClure, who has a separated shoulder, but should be able to return to the team soon.

Jamie Stonum and Kyle King return to the lineup after missing the '99 season because of injuries.

But, what will help the Devils even more is a large senior class, 20, being able to provide leadership to the younger players.

And, the junior class comes back with valuable game experience having been relied upon heavily last season as sophomores.

This year's sophomore class did well as a freshman team and should provide depth for the squad.

The offensive line, Pace said, is in better shape with the players back from injury from last year and the experience the younger players gained from playing.

The front line, he said, will start all seniors with the exception of one junior and two sophomores.

Pace had to replace RaShun Hopson and Brannon Hatley from the '99 backfield, and this was no easy task. However, Eddie Fort has been moved from the line to fullback.

Kevin Laster, a sophomore, has been looking good as a potential running back, as has K.P. Meeks.

O'Brian Moss will likely spend time offensively as a receiver, where he has been working well.

Pace said the Devils are short on receivers this year, as few have stepped up and shown a willingness to catch the ball.

With the veteran line opening holes, the running backs may be able to make passing a luxury instead of a necessity.

Defensively, the Devils will be hard to move the ball against as eight players return from last year's crew.

Cody Cox is back at linebacker, as is Lee Marks. Fort will play some at linebacker as well.

King and Adam Clark will split time at nose guard.

Two are back for the secondary, including free safety Colby Pace and cornerback Oliver Webster.

Pace said his son may see less action on defense, as Laster and John Watson will get time in at free safety also.

Moss is the team's strong safety, but a backup, Pace said, is needed for him. Moss could also play nose guard some because of his quickness off the ball.

Kentrell House, Pace said, is a special athlete as he plays both football and band. This has been hard on House as he's had to go straight from football practice to band practice without getting a break.

Gurdon's offensive line will be huge, tilting the scales between 260-270 pounds.

There will be speed in the backfield as well, with Webster running a 4.6 40-yard dash, and Cox, who will play fullback some, not being slow either.

"I'm pleased with the kids," Pace said. "It's been hot, the hottest I can remember, but they work through the heat." The team, though, is given several water breaks per session to prevent dehydration.

A total of 31 players is on the depth chart, and all have some game experience.

Todd Lewis is the new junior high coach. He said the junior Devils will be fielding a tough team again this year.

Barry Nolen will step under center at quarterback, with Brandon Sanders playing fullback and linebacker.

Mike Testa will see action as offensive tackle, while Eric McQuistion will be an offensive guard.Marcell Johnson will be a running back, with David Williams the back up quarterback and running back.

Lewis said the team has speed and is young. The junior squad had to replace 10 from the 1999 crew, but will compete this year.

"They've been practicing hard, and we've been teaching fundamentals," he said.

Pace said Robert Poole has also joined the Gurdon coaching staff, and Randy Kizer is back as well.

The Devils annual Purple-Gold game will be at Go-Devil Stadium Friday night. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.