The Pagosa Springs High School Pirate football team finished the regular season as the 14th-ranked team in the state’s 2A division after falling to the Alamosa Mean Moose on Friday, Nov. 1, in Alamosa, earning a spot in the state playoffs.
The 2A state playoffs consist of the top 16 teams in the division.
The Pirates lost to the Mean Moose by a score of 14-8 in what was a heavily defensive battle between the two sides.
“They took the air out of the ball,” coach Nathan Morales said, explaining that Alamosa came out with a good game plan.
He mentioned that the Mean Moose used tactics like running the play clock all the way down before snapping the ball in order to keep the Pirates’ offense off of the field as much as possible.
“They had a good game plan,” Morales said, noting the Pirates did not run as many offensive plays as they’re used to.
The Pirates were first to get on the scoreboard with a safety in the first quarter that came from a bad snap that went over Alamosa’s punter and out of the back of the end zone.
The Mean Moose were able to hit back on their next offensive possession with a 9-yard touchdown pass.
A successful extra-point attempt gave the Mean Moose a 7-2 lead going into the second quarter.
Colton Lucero notched the Pirates’ only touchdown of the game with an 11-yard reception toward the end of the second quarter. A failed extra-point attempt left the score at 8-7 in favor of the Pirates.
With just over two minutes remaining in the second quarter, the Mean Moose received the ball and were able piece together a drive ending with a 4-yard rushing touchdown.
A successful extra-point attempt put Alamosa up 14-8, which would become the final score of the game following a scoreless second half from both teams.
“It was a playoff-type game,” Morales said. “It was a tough, physical game.”
He added that can be expected when playing a league opponent and rival.
“It became a defensive battle,” he said.
The Pirates logged a total of 47 solo tackles on the night, with Tommaso Nigro leading the team, racking up a total of 11 solo tackles.
Four Pirates each had six solo tackles on the night, including Dozier, Lucero, Aven Cole and Aidan Vega.
Morales also mentioned Alamosa kept loading the defensive box to try and take away the Pirates’ rushing game.
The Pirates tallied a season low in total yards on the night with just 68 total yards of offense.
Colton Lucero rushed for 41 yards on 11 carries on the night, also picking up one reception for an 11-yard touchdown.
Creede Dozier threw for the Pirates’ only touchdown on the night, completing one of three pass attempts for 11 yards.
Morales mentioned the entire Intermountain League (IML) has had the same coaches for the past few years and that the teams have become familiar with each other, which can lead to closely fought games.
“Our league is tough,” he said. “That’s how it’s supposed to be.”
Morales also noted there was almost a four-way tie for first place in the IML this year between the Pirates, Gunnison, Alamosa and Montezuma-Cortez.
Three teams from the IML clinched first-round playoff spots which include the Pirates, Alamosa and Montezuma-Cortez.
The Pirates officially finished fourth in the IML, with Montezuma-Cortez taking first, Alamosa taking second and Gunnison taking third.
“You’re gonna have some tough games, and that’s what we want,” Morales said, explaining that if the Pirates are playing in tough games, that means they’re playing games that matter.
Morales explained that the team is looking forward to getting to compete again this weekend.
“We’ve had ups and downs this season, but we’re fortunate to get in still,” Morales said, adding that he feels the Pirates deserve to be there.
He also noted the team has dealt with a number of injuries in the last few games.
“We’re grateful that we’re in,” he added.
Morales mentioned that he expects a “good playoff-type atmosphere and game” this weekend.
“We’ll get our mojo back on offense and defense … and do the little things right. And, at the end of the day, that’s what wins games,” Morales stated.
He noted the Pirates need to take care of the ball, tackle well and give a 100 percent effort.
“We’re excited,” he said.
The Pirates will travel to Colorado Springs on Saturday, Nov. 9, to take on The Classical Academy Titans at 1 p.m.
The No. 3 Titans claimed the top seed in the 2A Metro League with an overall record of 9-0.
The No. 1 team in the state’s 2A division is the Strasburg Indians with an overall record of 8-1.
clayton@pagosasun.com
