Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Pace expects Devils to have good seasaon

Coach John Pace had just come in off of the practice field at noon on Thursday, August 14, as he addressed Gurdon's Rotary club about the upcoming football season.

Pace said it was his 13th time to come and speak with Rotarians and that he appreciated the community involvement with Gurdon athletics and academics.

"I believe the key to having successful kids and kids who want to participate, come from community involvement, and we have that here in Gurdon. The kids like to know people are coming out on Friday nights to see them play," said Pace.

Pace went on to say, "We have had a busy week this week. We officially started practicing on Monday. We did the first three days without pads, which is what is required by the AAA in order to prepare the players bodies to the heat and hard work. So far they have done well and I am pleased. We have had 30 guys out there all week working hard and giving their best, however, we had our first injury yesterday so that leaves us with 29 for the season."

At Wednesday afternoon's practice, senior Josh "Fish" Frisby dislocated his ankle and broke his fibula. He was taken to Baptist Medical Center in Arkadelphia where surgery was performed by Dr. McCleod.

McCleod told Frisby if he worked hard through his rehabilitation time he would be ready to play towards the end of the season hopefully.

Pace said they planned to play a lot of young players early on.

"We have possibly the best sophomore players I have ever seen since I have been at Gurdon. As a matter of fact we moved them up last year during the playoffs," said Pace.

Pace is referring to Dusty Craig (6-4, 265) and Robert Plyler (6-0, 235) who will both be starting as tackles this season.

Other sophomores expected to show their stuff this season are, Cameron Kennedy (5-9, 165) a wingback, and Kenneth Harper (5-11, 255) a possible fullback.

Pace also said he had seven seniors this season with three of them being two-way starters.

Barry Nolan (5-11, 185) will be quarterback with Davion Williams (5-11, 185) being back-up quarterback, but mostly playing as a receiver, and Marcell Johnson are all returning players.

Along with left guard, Brandon Sanders (6-0, 215), right guard, Eric McQuistion (5-11, 220),and center, Michael Testa (6-2, 255).

Pace said he was also pleased with his junior players.

"My juniors come from a small class. They all played well last year though and I am looking forward to what they will continue doing," said Pace.

Returning juniors are, tailback, Jamelle Lacy (5-10, 170), fullback, Hunter Johnson (5-11, 175), end, Courtney Barry (6-1, 175), and noseguard, C.J. Stroder (5-7, 180).

Pace said he had hopes for a good season as his players seemed to be enthusiastic and have worked hard to stay healthy.

Pace commented about the first game of the season being against Prescott.

"Our first game is here against Prescott on September 6 at 7:30. We are looking forward to the game. The players really look forward to it. It is very important to them since Prescott is our biggest rival. Sometimes people who write about these teams don't remember the rivalry."

Gurdon will play in a scrimmage game on August 28 in Ashdown beginning at 7 p.m. The first half will be played by the junior high and then the second half will be the senior high with a fifth quarter to be played also.

The junior high team's first game is scheduled for September 4 against Prescott at Prescott.