Frazier makes presence felt for Gate City football team

By: Allen Gregory/Bristol Herald Courier | TriCities.com
Published: December 05, 2007

Storytelling is a beloved tradition in the Mountain Empire.

Young folks grow up listening to elders weave colorful tales of heroic deeds and fearless characters.

In Gate City, those family sagas often focus on football.

Ty Frazier knows the story of the Gate City Blue Devils. His father, Terry, played on the famed 1974 Group AA state championship team.

"I know those stories by heart,’’ Frazier said. "I guess I was about six when my dad first told me about that 1974 season and what it took to win the state title.’’

The younger Frazier has the chance to make his own history Saturday when the Blue Devils (10-3) face Gretna (13-0) in the Group A, Division 2 title game at Salem Stadium. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m.

Like his father, the 6-foot-3, 269-pound Ty is a key member of the GC offensive line. And just like in 1974, the Blue Devils have used a powerful running game to wear down opponents.

"The 1974 team set a lot of records with players like Mickey Rogers and the Wolfe brothers,’’ Frazier said. "My father had one film from that season. The film wasn’t in great shape, but it was inspiring.’’

Ty Frazier began playing football around age six, and he soon established the same ambitous goal as his friends.

"The expectations in this community are always to win state,’’ Frazier said. "Several of the guys on this team have fathers who were part of state champion teams. We want to get our own trophy and carry on the tradition.’’

The second-generation connection at GC includes running back Payton Jenkins, lineman Seth Musick and defensive back Will Godsey, along with the Clark boys – Trey, Seth and Dustin.

"Since I’ve been the coach, we’ve also have had familiar names like Houseright, Smith, Osborne, Shoemaker, Begley, Seaver…you could go on and on with the names,’’ GC head coach Nick Colobro said. "That family connection has been a big part of our success.’’

Ty Frazier is a first-year starter at right tackle as a junior. His consistent blocking has helped 5-7 senior Tyler Parks rush for nearly 1,800 yards this season, including 383 yards in the past three playoff games.

"I had been waiting to get my chance on the varsity,’’ Frazier said. "It was awesome to see the support of our fans this past Saturday against George Wythe. That really pumped me up.’’

Frazier will get another emotional charge Saturday just before Saturday’s clash with Gretna.

"My father has told me to practice hard all week, and he will talk with me again Saturday morning,’’ Frazier said. "It’s great to have a father who knows football and understands the type of effort it takes to reach this point.

"I just love this game. And I’d really love a state championship.’’

The success story of the Big Blue continues.

Gate City also won state football titles in 1970, 1997 and 2003.