Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Kicking Game Question Mark For Squad

All indications point toward another good year for the Prescott Curley Wolf football team.

Last year, the Wolves dominated their opposition, going undefeated toward a state championship season. The Wolves were picked to finish near the cellar of the 7AA as well.

This year is different. First off, Prescott is picked to end the season much higher than the 1995 crew. The pumpkinheads of Nashville have been tabbed the team to beat, much to Wolf Coach Eddie Jackson's delight.

Jackson prefers being the underdog at the beginning of the season and the top dog when all has been said and done.

The Wolves, this season, return five starting members from the stingy '95 defense. Four offensive starters will be back to create havoc for the boys in the wrong colored hats on the other side of the ball.

However, while Jackson said there aren't a lot of starters returning, this doesn't mean the Wolves will be inexperienced. Several non-starting members of the 1995 squad saw plenty of action during the season, as the Prescott 11 was able to score enough points to keep the starters rested.

But the Wolves don't open the '96 season with any pushover teams. They start Friday night with a road trip to Ashdown to tangle with the AAA Panthers.

This is followed by AAA Hope Sept. 13. After playing these two larger schools, the Wolves will host arch-rival Gurdon in a contest which is played for pride.

The Go-Devils dropped down in class and out of the 7AA. This doesn't mean the Gurdon team will roll over and play dead, and Jackson realizes this.

"It will be an uphill battle," the Wolf mentor said of the coming season.

In a scrimmage game against Hot Springs Lakeside Friday night, Aug. 30, Jackson said the Wolves played well. The offense was able to run and throw effectively, while the defense "played solid," in the coach's estimation.

All, though, is not perfect in Wolfland. Jackson said there is a distinct lack in the kicking game. Three different players are being tried out as punter, with a like amount being looked at for other kicking duties.

Jackson said Cedric Flemons will most likely kick field goals and extra points. However, Terrell Burton and Mike Fountain are getting the once over for kickoff duties.

Other than the kickers themselves, Jackson said the special teams are looking pretty good.

The strong-armed Al Johnston will most likely get the nod to start under center. His backup, Brent Jordan, currently has a broken finger on his throwing hand, and is out of action.

In the backfield, the Wolves look solid with Carlos VanHook, Burton, Sam Marlow and Cowin Hopson lining up to carry the pigskin.

Jackson said the Wolves aren't an overtly fast team, but will have some quickness.

Rashad Johnson, Channing Butler and Flemons will combine to take care of receiving duties. All return with experience from the state title campaign.

Other than a depth problem at center, Jackson said the Wolves' offensive line should be solid. "You can never have enough offensive linemen," he said.

Still, those linemen who show up for the weekly dance will keep the opposing defense's card filled -- and filled with problems as they should be able to open holes for the running backs, while protecting the quarterback in passing situations.

The Wolves may be even more frightening on defense. Jackson almost bragged saying the defensive front is solid.

Flemons and Burton will return to the front lines, while Nevada School newcomer, Brett Wicker has worked himself into a starting role.

There should be no problem with the linebacking corps either, he said. Carlos and Brian VanHook return to anchor the linebacking duties, while Jarrod Yates and Heath Duke are prepared to fill in when needed.

The title winning secondary crew returns this season, which will make opposing receivers and quarterbacks get a little less sleep at night. However, Jackson said there is a depth problem in this area.

"We hope to be in the hunt," he said of the quest for a second consecutive state title.

The team to beat in his opinion, though, will be the Scrappers of Nashville. Jackson said De Queen will be much improved and on the prowl, while Fordyce is always tough.

But, he said, defense should be the strong point for the Wolves in 1996. Again, this will make the jobs of opposing teams and their coaches more difficult.

The weak spot will be depth in all areas, according to Jackson.

"I think we'll be able to score points," he said, "but I'm more interested in keeping them (other teams) from scoring."

Regardless, Jackson said the 1996 Wolves are prepared to show up every Friday night in defense of their title, ready to play a full 48 minutes.