Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Smith faces Smith

Fans of the Prescott Curley Wolves may not realize that the Wolves are facing one of the most dangerous types of opponents - a team with a driving reason to win. The Wolves will meet the Fouke Panthers Friday night at Fouke. The Panthers May not seem a formidable opponent, until fans consider that the two head coaches are brothers.

Prescott head coach Greg Smith said his younger brother, Fouke Coach Kevin Smith, will likely have his team playing at their very best, despite being plagued by several issues this season.

"They've had a hard time competing this year," Greg said.

The Panthers have had some injuries and some players who moved out of the district - problems that have played a role in the Wolves' history.

"But they're really positive and working hard every day. Being as he is my younger brother, he is going to be as ready to play as he has been all

year."

Greg said one advantage for the Wolves is that he knows a lot about the Panthers. While being ready to play the next game is nothing new to the Wolves, Greg said he believes in his players.

"I think my kids are up to the challenge," he said.

On the downside, the Wolves will be playing at Fouke - home field advantage for the Panthers.

As the time for the game nears, there's little doubt that Greg is looking for a win over his brother's team. He said he isn't about to underestimate the opposition.

"He's going to be in a 'win at all costs' mode," Greg said of Kevin.

Asked if he's in that same mode, Greg said, "Absolutely. We've competed one time in the coaching world. It was baseball and he beat me."

Greg said he's excited about the Wolves' current situation with a guaranteed spot in the playoffs. He attributes that at least partly to the fact that coaches have been told to find at least one thing that could have been done better in every game, then to work on that particular aspect of play before the next game.

"We are not the same team Nashville beat," Greg said.

The Wolves met Nashville in a non-conference game before season officially kicked off. The Wolves took a serious beating, but Smith said the experience they've gained during the season has brought the team to a higher plane of competition.

Greg said one of the best points of the season has been fan support. He

said having the bleachers full of Curley Wolf fans provides a serious

boost for the team and the coaches.

"This town and team can do a lot when they stick together," Smith said.