Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Wolves picked to win 7AAA title this season

Last year the Curley Wolves were expected to do no better than third in the 7AAA conference.

However, Prescott's football team surprised almost everyone as the Wolves ended the year in a three-way tie for first and conference co-champs. The squad made it to the semifinals of the AAA state playoffs, ending the season with an 11-3 record.

The Wolves have been tabbed to win the conference outright this year by a statewide publication, and are ranked second in the state for AAA schools. This is a lot for the team to live up to, especially as every squad in the conference will be gunning for them.

However, neither the team nor coaches are concerned with the pre-season rankings. In his second year at the helm, Greg Smith said the Wolves are looking for a good season and will worry about rankings at the end of the year. The players are looking toward ending the season at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.

Smith and offensive coordinator Brian Glass ignored the traditional path for developing offensive schemes. Usually high schools use one game plan all year, making changes as needed. Prescott had a different game plan every week. This kept the opposing teams off balance as the Wolves averaged 31 points per game in 2002.

"We had to get rid of the loser mentality," Smith said of his first year as coach. "We changed attitudes, habits and learned how to focus. It took a few weeks because we had to break them down and build them back up."

While many residents of Prescott were expecting the Wolves to finish at least 5-5 last year, Smith never doubted the team's ability. When he spoke to civic clubs before the 2002 season began, he said the Wolves would win it all and go 10-0 in the regular season. He was close, the Wolves went 8-2, adding three more wins in the playoffs before falling to Warren.

The Wolves return six starters on offense and defense for the 2003 campaign, and are poised to be the undisputed conference champs.

Zach Martin returns for his third year as quarterback. In 2002, Martin completed 131 of 255 passes for 2,089 yards and 30 touchdowns.

A.J. Lewis, a junior this year, returns and will again display his versatility. Last year Lewis kept defenses dumbfounded as he is equally adept as running or throwing the ball. Secondaries froze when Prescott ran the halfback option. As backup quarterback, he passes for almost 500 yards.

R.J. Vanhook also returns in the backfield. Oklahoma State and Arkansas State were two Division 1 schools interested in him this spring.

Vanhook has 4.5 speed and ran for 1,353 yards last year, while scoring 13 touchdowns.

Robert Block moves to the fullback position this year. He also has 4.5 speed and could be a big surprise, especially to opposing defenses. Smith said Block is intense and plays with a lot of emotion.

Senior Eli Ratcliff returns as a receiver for the Wolves. Ratcliff has 4.7 speed and is known for running precise routes. Ray Smith could also see time as a receiver for the Wolves.

Jason Butler, another senior, benches 350 pounds to go with his 4.7 speed. Butler is a top college prospect, and has no fear when it comes to laying into opposing players.

The offensive line will likely be manned by Brandon Morton and Johnny Burton at the tackle positions, with Dan Ingram filling in at times. The guard slots will be filled with Aaron Tosch, a senior who was recruited by Ivy League schools in the spring. Josh Turner is a "blue collar" guard, along with Greg Heckman. Chance Cummings could start at center for the Wolves. Other linemen include Sean Hart, Doug Holley, Daniel Holley and Jeremy Woods.

Butler is expected to shine on defense as well from his end or linebacker position. Last year offensive plays were ran away from him, only to meet Burton, who pummeled them.

Luther Stueart didn't play football in junior high, but earned a starting role last year, along with the nickname "Lethal Luther". His 4.6 speed allowed him to get in the backfield and introduce himself to opposing quarterbacks, much to their dismay.

Cole Hillery, who was a special teams demon last year, is being looked at as an end this year.

Block could rotate from end to linebacker this year on defense, while Vanhook will remain at his linebacking position. Smith said Block is restless, a good thing for a linebacker, while Hook is a playmaker.

Dustin Morrow missed spring drills with a shoulder problem, but is expected to return to the lineup in the fall, possibly as a linebacker.

Tosch spent some time as a linebacker in 02, and will likely remain in the middle of the field this year, splitting time with Lewis.

Tristan Stueart and Antonio Cornelius are a couple of sophomores who were impressive in junior high.

Jason Purifoy is a newcomer who could see action in the secondary. His brother, Jeremy, earned all-conference honors as a cornerback last year.

Ratcliff will be one of the free safeties, with Ryan Roberson and Chris Phillips also playing this position.

The publication states the Wolves have "unproven leadership", whatever that's supposed to mean.

Smith and Glass have shown the ability to lead the team from the sidelines, while Martin is the field general starting for the third consecutive year as quarterback.

Leadership for the Wolves is not a problem.

The Wolves open Sept. 5, against Gurdon, there, are home for Hampton on Sept. 12, will travel to Hope for game three, return home to entertain Bismarck and Nashville, travel to De Queen, enjoy homecoming against Fountain Lake, be home against Mena, then end the season with road games to Fouke and Ashdown.