- April 25, 2024
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The Pirates’ passing game was limited in the May 26 spring game, but coach Keith Lagocki was excited by how his team was able to adapt and grind out yards on the ground.
Gusting winds upward of 40 mph proved unfavorable for the Pirates’ spread offense May 26 in the spring game against Warner Christian. The Pirates lost 17-14, but they held a 14-7 lead before pulling many of the first-string players late in the third quarter.
“The conditions were not good for (the passing game),” Lagocki said. “From a passing standpoint, (the game) was disappointing. From a rushing standpoint, we were thrilled because we were basically made one-dimensional, and we were still able to gain yardage.”
In reference to playing a close game while both team’s first-stringers were in the game, Lagocki said: “To be able to not just compete against, but to be winning and be pulling away against a team of their caliber, we feel that we are on the right course.”
But there were bright spots despite the windy playing conditions.
Offensively, the Pirates ran 33 plays — 27 rushes for 137 yards and three completions for six yards and one interception.
Running back Shawn White carried the ball 10 times for 77 yards, and Randall Navanugraha had seven rushes for 39 yards.
Matt Shafer and Mark Pugh each had one catch for three yards.
Defensively, White had one sack and a 49-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown. Marquese Jones had one sack, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
“The defense was very much improved and played very well against a very experienced and athletic running team,” Lagocki said.
Lagocki said the game was designed for his team measure itself against one of the better teams in the area.
Looking forward, Lagocki said his team will continue to develop the quarterbacks, the passing game and the defense through 7-on-7 trips over the course of the summer.
“It is leaps and bounds ahead of where we were last summer at this time,” Lagocki said. “We still have a lot of work to do, though. It is going to be a great summer, and I think our entire team is really looking forward to getting after it.”
Contact Andrew O’Brien at [email protected].
