East Ridge High School - Musket Yearbook (Chattanooga, TN)

Page 66 text:

Pioneer Defense DEFENSIVE LINE: Mike Rice, Steve Riden, Steve Roberson, Cary Maxwell, Chuck Strickland, lt-, .,i,.., Q ii.e ,, , ,ZA -Qt. sms, 1 DEFENSIVE BACKS: Bobby Smith, Jerry Smith, Mike Crockett, Mike Gregory, and Doug ?arkcr. 62 Gary Kilzer, and Bobby Wilkinson. Bobby Smith proved to be a constant obstacle to Brainerd as the Bcbcls surrendered 20-7 in one of the city's fiercest rival- ries.

Page 65 text:

'Pioneer Ujfense Executing some of the best offensive plays in area football, the Pioneer Machine rolled over team after team. Sheer determination, unspared effort, and dogged driving, coupled with bruising line attacks, decisively thrown blocks, and hard-running backs, helped to produce East Ridgeis finest football record in history. Over the ll game season, their powerful ground attacks and effective aerial assaults, enabled the Pioneers to compile a total record of 3558 yards and 268 points. Steve Bevilaqua receives good protection as he completes pass over Baylor. t 7 ., ,.,, , . 5. Q,-A OF F ENSIVE LINE: Doug Parker, Gary Kilzer, Melvin Warren, Chuck DeGarmo, Mike Fugatt, Steve Riden, and Steve Roberson. With the best balanced backfield in the league, the Flying Y, consistently gained yardage, each one performing with precision the job he had been called on to do - whether it was ripping through the line, a quarterback keeper, an end sweep, or a halfback option. Much credit is due the backs and their outstanding performance all season. This was made evident when the coaches were unable to single out just one back, but named all fdur as the Outstanding Backfi However, without the stamina and intestinal fortitude of linemen willing to sacrifice recognition and honor, offensive success would never have been possible. Very few times did the fans leave a game without being thrilled by the spectacular display of gridiron prowess. Down-field blocking by Steve Riden pays off in Civic Bowl victory. 6I

Page 67 text:

ioneers surround a Tyner Ram while Chuck Strickland starts the damage against the unbeatable foe. flmwj Doug Parker makes the third interception as the Pioneers raced over Soddy Daisy 33-7. fBelowj Efforts by Slove Jackson are in vain as Central hands East Ridge its only loss of the year. To be the champions, a team must be good not only at offense but defense as well, and a quick survey of statistics show the Pioneers to be the best defensive team in the Chattanooga area. lt was a penetrating, hard-hitting, and stubborn defense that held their opponents to only 114 points in ten games. The teams that faced the Pioneer Machine this year, battled gamely and fought hopefully for victory, but in every game, save one, they found themselves at the mercy of a group of gridiron gruelers that took pride in leaving their opponents with much to be desired. Time after time, the alertness of the defensive unit prevented sizeable ground gain and the success of aerial attacks, but they sparkled their brightest when they intercepted pass after pass to feel defensive glory at its height. Victory is always sweet, but to see teams bow in defeat because they could not conquer the mighty Pioneer defense, is the most satisfying victory of all. 63