PIRATES TAKE TO THE HARDWOOD
BOYS
Coach James Bliss
20-21 Record: 6-14
With a game plan to include an up-tempo offensive attack, the Pirates will use the athleticism and physical mindset of four returning starters to employ multiple defensive sets to limit opponents scoring chances. Seniors Brady Thomas (6-0) and Ty Bliss (5-11) will set the example while coach James Bliss looks to Ben Kirkpatrick (6-0, Jr.) to provide offensive firepower from the perimeter. Journey Shells (6-2, So.) and Aidan Dickerson (6-3, Jr.) provide size and strength on the front line while Keigan Reid (6-0, Jr.), Noah Cooper (6-0, So.) and Jackson Duke (5-9, Jr.) keep the pace of play at a high level.
GIRLS
Coach: Staci Simeroth
20-21 Record: 9-11
Determined to prove the value of hard work, the Lady Pirates return only one starter from last year; but coach Staci Simeroth cautions opponents not to overlook this year’s squad. “We’re young but we have a tremendous amount of heart and desire,” exclaimed the Lady Pirates mentor. “I believe we’re a diamond in the rough that will shine once we get all our puzzle pieces together.” Leading the expectations for success will be Ralea Brooksher (5-3, Sr.) will be counted upon to lead the offensive and defensive efforts along with Kenzi Terrell (5-4, Sr.). The youthful and jet quick skills of Rikki Huckbay (5-2, Fr.) along with Oaklie Thornton (5-3, So.) will bolster the ball handling duties while Andi Summerlin (6-0, So.) gives the Lady Pirates a tall presence in the paint. Sophomores Natalie Castell (5-5) and Kaydance Moore (5-3) will also play vital roles to the winning expectations of the Lady Pirates.
GORE FOOTBALL – A WINNING CREW
With an experience lineup to open the year, the Pirates earned statewide recognition by racing through the regular season undefeated to capture the Class A-8 district championship and advance to the second round of the Class A playoffs. Altogether, the Pirates averaged 38.7 points per game while the smothering Gore defense posted four shutouts and limited eight opponents to just one score. The efforts resulted in a sweep of All-District honors. The Pirates have begun mapping their road to a championship in 2022. #SailtheShip
A-8 All-District Honors
Most Valuable Player – Gunner Dozier
Offensive Player of the Year – Zane Craighead
Offensive Lineman of the Year: Gabe Dozier
Defensive Lineman of the Year: Garrett Douthit
Linebacker of the Year: Dayne Perryman
Defensive Back of the Year: Jackson Duke
All-District Receiver: Ben Kirkpatrick, Blew Steward, Journey Shells, Liam Edwards
All-District Offensive Linemen: Nick Wolf, Cas Moore, Layne Ward
All-District Defensive Linemen: Wyatt Marrel, Gage Grant
All-District Linebacker: Alex Hallum
All-District Defensive Back: Tyler Lane, Keigan Reid
Honorable Mention: Mike McAlister, Blaine Barnes
BLISS BEST WINS SILVER
Gore senior Ty Bliss completed a top-level season by winning six events in cross-country competition and the Pirates senior raced his way to a silver medal in the Class 2A cross-country state championship thanks to posting a time of 16 minutes, 48.53 seconds. After a stress fracture kept Bliss off the trails as a junior, Bliss returned in the spring track season to win the Class 2A 3200m gold medal at state while claiming a second place finish in the 1600m run.
