Pirates seek 4-0 start against fast Mustangs

[KFDM COOP]

Pirates seek 4-0 start against fast Mustangs

Van Wade

The Orange Leader

DEWEYVILLE — Defense has certainly been the theme for the Deweyville Pirates and their 3-0 start this season.

In their wins against Vinton (La.), Evadale and Colmesneil, the Pirates have allowed just 94 yards per contest, including just 16 in last week’s romp over Colmesneil.

Leading the way on defense has been hard-nosed players like Dalton Estes, Hunter Manning, Justin Morcum, Bryce Belanger and Jimmy Folsom.

“The kids have been tough on defense thus far and we’re extremely happy with what they’ve accomplished so far,†said Pirate head coach Dwight Bickham. “This week, they’ll have a chance to look at quite bit of speed in Burkeville. The kids have done a good job at keeping everything in front of them and they’ve caused a few turnovers, that’s always a good thing.â€

Tonight, the Pirates will try to wrap up a perfect non-district mark by visiting the 0-3 Burkeville Mustangs. The Mustangs have suffered through some tough losses, including a 62-6 setback to Deweyville’s District 22-4A rival Buna.

“The kids need to stay focused and they have for the most part,†said Bickham right after the Colmesneil game. “Our district looks much tougher than it has in the last couple years. Every game is going to be a tough one. Hopefully we can stay healthy after the Burkeville game. Hardin is one of those teams that have improved a lot and we have to go to their place this year.â€

The Pirates have doing most of their offensive “business†on the ground with a lot of backs getting involved behind an experienced offensive line.

Leading the Deweyville ground game is sophomore tailback Keeton Addison, who has zipped around the field for 312 yards on 41 carries. Senior quarterback Brandon Powell has found his way to 214 yards on 23 carries. Seniors Cruzz Thrailkille (20-129) and Stephen Gibson (15-123) have also fit in nicely and have been strong on the defensive side of the ball as well.

The Mustangs returned seven starters back on both sides of the ball from last year’s 2-7 unit. Deweyville tore past the Mustangs 59-8 at old Pirate Stadium last season.

Burkeville is led by the likes of quarterback Walter McBride, fullback William McBride and receiver Daniel Limbrick. Cordell Lewis returns as well after leading the squad in tackles a year ago.

Though the Mustangs have gotten off to a relative bad start, Bickham knows the Pirates will have to be well-prepared going in.

“Burkeville, they’re faster than grease lighting,†Bickham said. “They’re very athletic. We know very little about each other because neither one of us have film on each other. At this time of year, you’re almost preparing for everything on both the offensive and defensive perspective.â€

The Pirates are looking forward to their last non-district tuneup. They will start 24-2A action next week by taking a road trip to Hardin to face the 3-0 Hornets. District 24-2A is a collective 17-4 in its non-district games thus far with both East Chambers and Buna sitting at 3-0 as well.

[Guest ndn09]

Go Pirates and good luck and bring home a win to make your record 4-0.

[DP#1FAN]

Good Luck Pirates!  And let Gibson run the ball some what's up with that?

[kicker]

DP#1, are yall playing in Deweyville? Since WOS is off this week, Id maybe want to go. Heck, I live a block from their stadium.

[heavyhitter]

Good Luck Pirates!  And let Gibson run the ball some what's up with that?

i hear u DP#1 but he will get the ball eventually...

[kicker]

DP#1, are yall playing in Deweyville? Since WOS is off this week, Id maybe want to go. Heck, I live a block from their stadium.

Or maybe a dirt road, not a block

[DP#1FAN]

Sorry Kicker the Pirates are playing away.

[kicker]

Sorry Kicker the Pirates are playing away.

Never mind. Going to the Dave matthews concert instead. ;D