Ace in The Hole
Johnny “Ace” Marino
Johnny “Ace” Marino Interviews Harvey Hyde and Randall Cunningham: A Preview of the Las Vegas Ace Inaugural Season
Johnny Marino: Good evening, sports fans! I’m Johnny “Ace” Marino, your go-to guy for all things Las Vegas Ace. Today, I have the distinct pleasure of sitting down with Harvey Hyde, the newly minted head coach of the Ace, and the man set to lead the charge on the field, quarterback Randall Cunningham. Gentlemen, thanks for joining me.
Harvey Hyde: Thanks for having us, Johnny. Excited to be here.
Randall Cunningham: Yeah, it’s great to be here. Thanks, Johnny.
Johnny Marino: Harvey, let’s start with you. Your departure from UNLV was, shall we say, less than ideal. How does it feel to be back in the game, and what are your expectations for this inaugural season with the Ace?
Harvey Hyde: Well, Johnny, it’s been a wild ride, that’s for sure. My time at UNLV ended on a sour note, but you know, sometimes a fresh start is exactly what you need. The USFL is a fantastic opportunity, and I’m thrilled to be part of this new chapter with the Las Vegas Ace. My expectations? We’re here to win. It’s going to be tough, no doubt, but we’ve got a solid team and a lot of heart. We’re aiming to make a statement this season.
Johnny Marino: Randall, you’ve had an impressive college career at UNLV, and now you’re stepping into the professional arena with a lot of eyes on you. How are you handling the pressure, and what are you looking forward to the most this season?
Randall Cunningham: The pressure is definitely there, but it’s something I thrive on. Playing in Vegas, I’m used to the spotlight. I’m excited to lead this team and show what we can do. We’ve got a great group of guys, and the energy around the team is electric. I’m looking forward to taking the field and showing the fans what the Ace are all about.
Johnny Marino: Harvey, can you give us a peek into your coaching philosophy? How are you planning to mold this team, especially given it’s our first season?
Harvey Hyde: Sure thing, Johnny. My philosophy is pretty straightforward—discipline, hard work, and smart play. We’re focusing on building a strong defense and a dynamic offense. With a talent like Randall at quarterback, we have the opportunity to create some real excitement on the field. It’s all about laying a solid foundation this first year and building from there.
Johnny Marino: Randall, speaking of the offense, what do you think are the strengths of our squad? Any players you’re particularly excited to work with?
Randall Cunningham: We’ve got a lot of talent across the board. Our offensive line is looking strong, which is crucial. We’ve got some fast, reliable receivers, and a solid running game. I’m especially excited to work with our wide receivers—they’re quick, they’ve got great hands, and they’re hungry to make plays. It’s going to be fun to see what we can accomplish together.
Johnny Marino: Harvey, the Las Vegas Ace is one of two expansion teams this season. What challenges do you foresee, and how are you preparing the team to face them?
Harvey Hyde: Expansion teams always have an uphill battle. We’re starting from scratch, building chemistry, and establishing our identity. The biggest challenge is going to be gelling as a unit quickly and competing against established teams with more experience. We’re putting in the work every day, focusing on fundamentals and teamwork. It’s all about taking it one game at a time and staying resilient.
Johnny Marino: Randall, last question for you. How does it feel to be playing in Las Vegas, where you made your mark in college? What does it mean to you to be able to continue your career here?
Randall Cunningham: It feels amazing, Johnny. Las Vegas has been home for me, and the support from the fans has been incredible. Being able to continue my career here is a dream come true. I want to give back to the city and the fans who have supported me all these years. It’s an honor to lead this team and represent Las Vegas in the USFL.
Johnny Marino: Well, there you have it, folks. Harvey Hyde and Randall Cunningham are ready to take on the USFL with the Las Vegas Ace. It’s going to be an exciting season, and I can’t wait to see what unfolds. Thanks for your time, gentlemen, and best of luck this season.
Harvey Hyde: Thanks, Johnny.
Randall Cunningham: Thanks, Johnny. We’re ready to make some noise.
Johnny Marino: This is Johnny “Ace” Marino, signing off. Stay tuned, sports fans—this is going to be one wild ride!