CONNIE GOTTSCHALK • Provided to Great Basin Sun
Pershing County Mustang senior Bryce Gottschalk holds his House Cat T-shirt.
Football coaches agree that it's important to simulate and play against an opposing team's defense before game day.
That's where Bryce (Bubba) Gottschalk and the House Cats come in.
The coaches recently named Gottschalk the scout team player of the week.
He stands on the shoulders of giants. Mike Brooks explained the Mustang tradition.
According to the coach, in 2002 the scout defense became known as the House Cats.
In those days, coaches Dave McLean and Lance Condie awarded shirts to outstanding scout teamers. Decades later the House Cats still have cattitude.
"The House Cat Award is a tradition that is still alive but fell off when program numbers were down and we didn't have true scout teams," said Brooks.
Now, happily, the numbers are up. Recent top House Cats include Gottschalk, Jake Henderson and Efrain Aceves.
The coaches don't name a scout team player of the week on a regular basis. When they do, it means a lot to the recipient.
"Every once in a while, a House Cat leaves us no choice but to award them a shirt," said Brooks. Apparently Gottschalk left the coaches no choice.
"Bryce brought good effort and energy," said Brooks.
The graduating senior explained the award another way.
"I crushed it during practice," he said.
The Pershing County Mustangs played Lake Mead at Allegiant Stadium on Tuesday, Nov. 21. Results were not available at press time.
The Mustangs finished the regular season at 6-1 in the Northern 2A.