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.