Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Gurdon Picked Number One

Gurdon has been picked to repeat as conference champs again this year.

However, this could prove to be a difficult task for the Go-Devils as the team will open the season missing players because of injury.

"It's been an unusual two-a-day for us," said head coach John Pace. "We've lost several to injury."

Some of the players were hurt during practice, while others were lost during the off season because of physical problems.

Brandon Ellis went down with an old ankle injury, while the probable starting quarterback, Colby Pace, lost practice time because of an injured elbow.

A total of 31 players went out for the team during the spring, but four were lost during the off season, three being linemen.

"We'll be playing a lot of young people," Pace said, "especially up front on offense and defense. It'll take time to get everything in place."

Because of the team's youth, the practice schedule was slowed down so the younger players could keep up.

In spite of the injuries, the Devil offense could be potent. Seniors Rashun Hopson and Brannon Hatley return to the backfield and have had excellent pre-season workouts.

There will be depth at running back for Gurdon, as Oliver Webster and Cody Cox will be able to give Hatley and Hopson breathers from time to time.

The skill positions, Pace said, are still strong, though the quarterback spot needs work in the area of a backup.

With four working at the quarterback position, none, other than Colby Pace, have taken a varsity snap.

While Pace's son was sidelined, Lewis Crane stepped under center with the first group to try his hand at quarterbacking.

Walter Hart, a sophomore, has looked good there, Pace said, but has no experience.

"We'll win some games and do the best we can," he said of the upcoming season. "It will be a learning experience."

Gurdon opens the 1999 campaign against three AAA schools. First up is a trip to Fouke to take on the Panthers on Sept. 3.

This will be followed by the home opener at the new Gurdon High School field, complete with grand opening ceremonies. The opponent on Sept. 10 will be Lake Village.

Week three won't get any easier as the Prescott Curley Wolves make the short trip to Devil country on Sept. 17.

Pace said after playing three larger schools the team should be more than ready for conference action, if no one else gets injured.

Mineral Springs, he said, looks to be a top five or six team in AA ball in the state. The Hornets only lost three seniors from last year's 5-4 squad.

Foreman will be better than last year as well, he continued. The Gators return seven starters from the '98 offense and nine on defense.

The Gators went 4-6 last season, finishing sixth in the conference.

With new coaches at three other schools, Stamps, Dierks and Lewisville, there will be questions as to how well these teams will perform on the field.

Lewisville hasn't won a game in two years, while Dierks has only managed a few meager wins, mostly against the Red Devils.

Stamps has started strong early on, but fizzled from the mid-season point.

Horatio, Pace said, could be decent this year, after a 5-6 record last season.

The Lions return their all-state quarterback, Luke Billingsley, and have playoff experience as well.

Five starters return on both offense and defense for Horatio.

Murfreesboro is Murfreesboro. The Rattlers are always tough and will be again, Pace said.

Last season the Rattlers went 9-3 on the season, finishing second to Gurdon in league standings.

Murfreesboro returns two offensive starters from 1998, with five coming back from the defensive unit.

Gurdon, though, has speed to spare in the backfield and secondary. Hopson can cover the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds, while Hatley isn't shabby with a 4.7 40. Chris Thompson enters this elite list with a 4.6 time.

"We have good team speed," Pace said.

"We'll be young at defensive end, as we lost two seniors. We've also lost time to injuries."

At linebacker, the Devils return one starter from last season and another who got in some playing time in '98.

Two seniors will anchor the secondary, making it tough for opposing quarterbacks to complete passes.

There are five seniors on this year's Go-Devil team. These seniors will be expected to lead the team through Wolves, Panthers, Rattlers, Hornets, Lions and the like.

However, Gurdon has a solid junior class, most with game experience. This crop of juniors could make the difference in how well the team does this year, and will be providing leadership for the younger players next season.

While Pace may have to play a lot of sophomores this season, it means they will be more prepared for the remainder of their prep careers.

In addition, Pace said, the ninth grade team is looking good, which bodes well for the future of football in Gurdon.

"We'll be young," he said, "and have to do the best we can. We have a tough schedule, but we also have talent."