The Pagosa Springs High School Pirate football team defeated the Bayfield Wolverines on Friday, Oct. 10, in Bayfield by a score of 55-7, picking up its second Intermountain League (IML) win of the season and improving its overall record to 3-3 on the season. That includes a league mark of 2-0, which puts the Pirates in second place in the IML.
“They were just motivated. We played really motivated,” coach Nathan Morales said.
He mentioned the Pirates have been talking about starting out fast in games, “and we were able to do that.”
He also explained the Pirates lost to the Wolverines last season, so the team had some extra motivation to “get back at ‘em and get after it.”
According to stats entered into MaxPreps and shared with The SUN, the game’s first touchdown came from an 8-yard run by Colton Lucero on the Pirates’ first offensive possession.
“The kids played real well and they came out strong,” Morales added.
Alex Pacheco came up with a 3-yard rushing touchdown on the following possession, which was followed by another rushing touchdown from Lucero, this time going for 56 yards.
“We have good backs,” Morales commented, explaining that the Pirates are still working through a new offensive system with multiple playmakers available to carry the ball.
“But, our O-line has done a great job the last couple weeks,” Morales added, noting that tight ends and receivers are also contributing to the run game with strong blocking.
Morales explained that the Pirates’ rushing success is due to the offensive line being physical up front and the ball carriers hitting the holes hard.
The Pirates’ special teams was able to force a block punt, with Zander Lefthandbull recovering the ball for a touchdown to put the Pirates up 25-0.
The Pirates managed to get on the scoreboard one more time in the first quarter with a 22-yard passing touchdown as Creede Dozier connected with Kasen Limebrook, bringing the score to 32-0 at the end of the first quarter.
The Pirates opened the scoring in the second quarter with a 47-yard field goal by Gavin Carter, extending the lead to 35-0.
Carter converted four out of six extra point attempts on the night.
Bayfield’s only score on the night came on the following possession with a 45-yard passing touchdown.
The Pirates responded later during the quarter with two more rushing touchdowns from Lucero for 35 yards and 24 yards, allowing the Pirates to take a 48-7 lead into halftime.
The last score of the game came just a couple of minutes into the third quarter with another rushing touchdown by Lucero, this time for 56 yards, bringing the final score to 55-7.
The Pirates put up a total of 350 yards on offense, with Lucero leading the team in rushing with 305 yards and five touchdowns on 14 carries.
Alex Pacheco carried the ball seven times, racking up 18 yards and one touchdown.
Dozier completed his only pass attempt for a 22-yard touchdown and also carried the ball three times for a total of 5 yards.
Colby Ross racked up 10 yards on seven carries.
The Pirates’ defense was able to force a total of seven turnovers on the night, including four interceptions and three fumble recoveries.
“Anytime you can get turnovers, that’s a positive for our team,” Morales said, noting the Pirates were fortunate to get those turnovers and that they “changed the game big time.”
He commented that Bayfield has explosive players capable of making big plays, so to limit those opportunities for Bayfield was key.
Hudson Mazur and Jonathan Baker each came up with one interception, returning them for 35 yards and 17 yards, respectively.
Dozier and Lucero also recorded one interception each.
Jayton Ross, Devin Gonzalez and Lefthandbull are each credited with one fumble recovery.
Morales commented on the Pirates’ defensive line, noting those players are “athletic and strong” and are able to take on blocks, leaving the Pirate linebackers open to make a play.
“We have really good linebackers, too,” Morales added, noting the Pirate linebackers do a good job of reading the play and getting to the ball fast.
Aidan Vega is credited with the Pirates’ only sack on the night, along with three solo tackles.
“Vega’s done a good job for us this year,” Morales said, explaining that Vega has played multiple positions so far this season.
“And he’s excelled at everyone, which is good for us,” Morales added.
Morales went on to comment on the Pirates’ special teams performance as well, noting that has “been big for us too.”
He explained that tackling well on special teams has been crucial in being able to win the field position battle by pinning opponents deep on kickoffs or punts.
“It all starts with our senior leaders,” he said, noting that multiple younger classmen are taking on the challenge and finding important roles in special teams.
“And they’ve really excelled,” he said of the team’s freshmen, sophomores and juniors.
Morales also spoke about Dozier’s recent performances at quarterback, noting that he “makes this offense work.”
Morales explained that Dozier’s influence is not always reflected in the stats, but that “his job is so important and he’s doing a great job for us.”
Morales spoke highly of the Pirates’ recent performances, but noted there are still “just some little things we gotta shore up,” such as making sure everyone is lining up correctly, avoiding unnecessary penalties, tackling well and everyone knowing their assignment on every play.
“I think we’re playing good football right now. I don’t think we’re playing great football,” he said, noting the team is striving to get better each and every day.
“That’s all on me,” Morales added, explaining that he’s got to make sure everyone knows their assignment in any situation.
The Pirates will be back in action tomorrow, Friday, Oct. 17, as they host the IML’s Gunnison Cowboys at Golden Peaks Stadium at 7 p.m, in what will be the team’s “pink game” in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The Cowboys currently have an overall record of 0-6, including a league mark of 0-2.
Morales commented that Gunnison is a good team with good athletes and a size advantage in certain areas.
“It’ll be a tough matchup for us,” he said. “We’re excited for the challenge.”
Morales explained that the Pirates will be focusing on themselves and looking to ensure that all of the little things are done right against Gunnison.
He also mentioned the team is excited to be playing at home again.
“We’d love to have a big crowd,” he said, noting that it is free to attend the game. “We love playing in front of our home fans; it’s exciting.”
clayton@pagosasun.com
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