Pirates to face Pleasant Grove Aug. 28
Before the Pirates and the Hawks toss a coin and begin playing the first football game of the 2015-’16 season, Pittsburg will honor one of its former football legends.
The first game, which begins at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28 at Pirate Stadium, is being dedicated to Homer Jones by the Pittsburg Independent School District and the City of Pittsburg. Mr. Jones is from Pittsburg and went on to play for the New York Giants and the Cleveland Browns.
Mr. Jones was born in 1941 and became well-known throughout school as a football and track star. He could complete the 200 yard dash in 19.9 seconds.
Pittsburg ISD Athletic Director Brad Baca said he’s proud to be able to honor Mr. Jones, who he calls the pride of the town.
“”Anytime you have a person like Homer Jones, it’s neat when they can come back,” Mr. Baca said. “Several of our Pittsburg athletes have gone on to compete at a national level. We’re proud to call Mr. Jones our own.”
Mr. Jones was a 20th round draft choice of the New York Giants in 1964 and a fifth round draft choice of the Houston Oilers. He is also the first player to ever execute a touchdown football spike in the end zone after players were told there would be a $500 fine for throwing the football into the stands.
Several Pirate players are hoping to be able to follow suit Friday by spiking the ball after their own touchdowns. With a solid team like Pleasant Grove, Mr. Baca said the boys will have to work for it.
“They were a good, play-off team last year and they won their scrimmage against Paris,” he said. “We are expecting a really tough ball game from them.”
Pleasant Grove is known for being well coached and running a fast paced offense, Mr. Baca said.
“We’ve got to prepare for that. Offensively, they run an even front. They do what they do very well,” he said. “We’ll have to execute at a high level. I believe we can do that and I’m excited for our first game.”
By Tori Lyle, news@campcountynow.com -- To continue reading this article, purchase the print edition of The Pittsburg Gazette or go to our online e-edition at:http://www.etypeservices.com/
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