Pirates hoping to make playoffs for third straight time

[KFDM COOP]

Pirates hoping to make playoffs for third straight time

Van Wade

The Orange Leader

DEWEYVILLE — A third straight trip to the playoffs is quite an accomplishment any time.

Well, Deweyville has two straight under its belt, and No. 3 would be quite a feat as the Pirates hope to prepare well for what looks to be a much more rugged District 24-2A this season.

The Pirates went 8-3 last year to place third in 24-2A and third-year head coach Dwight Bickham would love to see the Pirates make it 3-for-3 for the postseason in his tenure.

“Every game in district will be a dogfight this year,†Bickham said. “Making the playoffs any year is tough and is an accomplishment and the kids are darn sure going to try to take it again.â€

District 24-2A will certainly be deep with talent, moreso than last year. 24-2A champion East Chambers is nearly back intact with 14 starters returning from last year’s 11-1 unit. Deweyville and Anahuac return 14 starters apiece. Buna, which was the runnerup last year, returns 12 and then there are the Hardin Hornets, which return 17 starters and players that qualified for this year’s State 7-on-7 Tournament.

“The district is deep and so many teams have key players back,†Bickham said. “There are several new head coaches that will bring in different styles and concepts. Anything can happen this year.â€

The Pirates return nine starters off an offense that piled up nearly 400 yards a game last year including quarterback Brandon Powell and running back Stephen Gibson and a stout and promising line that paved the way to 3,516 yards on the ground a lone in 2006.

However, gone is Willie Ray Smith Award finalist Justin Williams and his 2,294 yards and 32 TDs. Players like Gibson, junior Kane Kachtik and sophomore Keaton Addison will try to pick up the slack.

“It’s tough when you lose a kid like Justin,†Bickham said. “He brought a lot to the table, that’s for sure. We have some kids that will hopefully step in and fill the void. I think we’ll be okay.â€

The Pirates will check in Monday morning at 8 a.m. to pick up equipment and hit the practice field. The Pirates will basically stay on that same schedule plan before they put on pads for the first time Friday.

“The kids have shown up fairly well over the course of the summer,†Bickham said. “You always worry about conditioning that first week. It won’t take them long to adjust and get used to it.â€

The Pirates have two scrimmage dates slated. They will travel to Hemphill Aug. 18 and then will go to West Sabine Aug. 25 for a jamboree format against the host Tigers and Mount Union.

The Pirates open up the regular season at home Aug. 31 against a solid Vinton (La.) unit. Their other non-district games include Evadale, High Island and Burkeville and they will open up the 24-2A schedule with a road trip to Hardin Sept. 28.

“You always want to start out the season well,†Bickham said. “That Vinton game will certainly be a major test for us right out of the box.â€

[Guest ECBucFan]

Third time playoffs? My money is on them. (Relax, I am not an NBA refree, thats just a figure of speach!) 

[SteelerCzy]

Third time playoffs? My money is on them. (Relax, I am not an NBA refree, thats just a figure of speach!) 

Thanks ECBucFan, good luck to the Bucs also, however, I don't think ya'll are going to need it.

[king]

Who is Mount union?

[BUNA95]

I believe thay will make it. 3rd place team. ;D 

[SteelerCzy]

I believe thay will make it. 3rd place team. ;D 

You better hope Buna makes the playoffs and not worry about Deweyville. The games will take care of themselves, let the teams play, then after the game you can talk.

[king]

Dont worry we know what the expectations are this year..the D is going to more solid then ever and we got ssoooo much depth on the O-line  8)

[Guest ECBucFan]

My money is on them. (Relax, I am not an NBA refree, thats just a figure of speach!) 

Now I don't care who you are, thats funny!  ;D Git er' done  ;D LOL

[king]

I believe thay will make it. 3rd place team. ;D 

: : :

[HORNET_HIVE72]

Good luck this year pirates.

[SteelerCzy]

Good luck this year pirates.

Thanks Hornet, good luck to Hardin this year also.

[whsalum]

It will be a dogfight for the 3rd spot.EC and Buna have to be the favorites for the first 2 places.Anahuac,Kountze and Hardin are all improved and The Pirates squeaked by Warren last year at Deweyville for the 3rd spot.I really don't have a clue who will go to the playoffs out of this district they are all close after you get past the Bucs.Should make for some fun Friday nights.