Several ’70 Bearcats Receive Post-Season Honors (Used)

Several ’70 Bearcats Receive Post-Season Honors

Three members of the 1970 Forest Football Team received top honors in helping lead the Bearcats to a second-straight Little Dixie Conference Championship.

The ’70 ‘Cats finished their amazing season with a perfect 11-0 record under first-year head coach Gary Risher and new assistants James C. “Bo” Clark and Billy Ray Dill.

Honorees included Billy Thompson, All-LDC tailback; Ken Gordon, All-LDC linebacker; and J. W. Clark, who made honorable mention as an offensive tackle.

All three were also nominated to participate in the annual All-Star Game, sponsored by the Jackson Touchdown Club, on the basis of ballots received from fans. The ballots were sent to The Clarion-Ledger Sports Department.

Thompson, at 5-11, 182, was also chosen outstanding running back in the conference.

In the 1970 season, Thompson gained 1,048 yards for an average of 5.4 yards per carry. He scored 68 points. In 1969, he was the leading conference scorer with 112 points.

Gordin, at 6’, 175, played offensive wingback/split end and defensive back, averaged eight tackles per game and had four interceptions during the championship season. He was elected co-captain of the 1970 squad.

Clark, who stood 6-3 and weighed 230 pounds, played offensive tackle and defensive end during 1970 season. He averaged four tackles and four assists per game. He was a standout defensive tackle on the 1969 team, which also won the LDC Championship with an 11-0-1 record under head coach Ken Bramlett and assistants Warren Crain and Gary Risher.

A ceremony honoring the 1970 Bearcats on the 50th anniversary of their championship season is scheduled Friday, Sept. 18, 2020, during halftime of the Forest/Florence game at L. O. Atkins Field. Football cheerleaders and members of the 1970-71 All-Superior Forest High Band are invited to participate in the special event. Kickoff for the Forest/Florence game is set for 7 p.m.