The Pagosa Springs High School Pirate football team took down the Salida Spartans at home on Friday, Aug. 28, by a score of 41-6.
With the victory against Salida, the Pirates now own a 1-1 record after their first two games of the season, which also includes a 31-0 loss to the Centauri Falcons on Aug. 21.
Coach Nathan Morales explained that one of the main differences in the Pirates’ first two performances is that “we executed better offensively and defensively” against Salida.
“We got better this past week,” Morales said, adding that the team had “better” practices leading up to the game against Salida.
“We gotta continue to get better each week,” he said, indicating the Pirates have another tough matchup this Friday, Sept. 4, against the St. Pius X Sartans from Albuquerque, N.M.
“We’re working hard this week to hopefully prepare ourselves for success on Friday night,” he said.
Morales also explained that St. Pius X is a “good football team” that competes in New Mexico’s 4A division.
He noted that the Sartans lost in the New Mexico state championship last season against the Bloomfield Bobcats.
Morales also talked about the importance of facing quality teams early on in the season and using that experience to prepare for the kind of teams the Pirates expect to face off against in the playoffs.
He noted that “there are a lot of good teams” in the Pirates’ league this year, as well.
“It’s good to get an early-season matchup like we do with playoff teams like Centauri and St. Pius,” he said, explaining that heading into league play with that experience is beneficial for the Pirates.
“So, we want to play tough teams, because … we know we’re a tough team and we want to get better,” he said. “We got some tough games on our schedule this year, but we’re tough, too.”
In their game against the Salida Spartans, the Pirates put up a total of 390 yards on offense.
They were led by running back Alex Pacheco, who put up 217 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 14 carries, with his longest rush on the night going for 99 yards.
Colby Ross rushed for a total of 23 yards on five carries, and Gage Sams tallied 10 yards on two carries.
Hudson Mazur came up with the Pirates’ other two touchdowns, racking up 101 yards on seven carries on the night.
Kasen Limebrook completed two out of four pass attempts to Mazur for a total of 44 yards.
“Kasen made some good throws,” Morales said.
Morales also talked about the Pirates’ backfield, mentioning that there are multiple running backs “that really play off of each other.”
He commented that Mazur and Ross “run the ball well” and that the Pirates are able to get the ball to four or five different players just by handing it off on misdirection plays.
Morales mentioned that Pacheco is “physical” and “fast,” noting that it was good to have him back after he missed the first game against Centauri.
Morales also praised the Pirates’ offensive line, explaining that a few changes were made from week one, and that it may get tweaked again for this Friday’s game.
“The line, I thought, did a great job,” he said.
Morales mentioned the Pirates are still figuring out their best offensive outfit and finding which players fit in the best roles.
“We’re figuring that out,” he said.
On the defensive side, Zander Lefthandbull led the Pirates in tackles for the second week in a row, tallying five solo tackles on the night.
Morales also praised the Pirates’ defensive line, mentioning it is “wrecking havoc” on pass and run plays, while also controlling its gaps.
“They’re doing such a good job,” he said.
Lefthandbull and Jimmy Elledge each recorded one sack on the night.
Morales also commented on Lefthandbull’s importance to the team over the past few seasons.
“He’s been such a good player for us the last couple years. He just has a nose for the football,” he said.
Morales explained that Lefthandbull also “does his job,” and “that’s what makes him special.”
He added, “He’s a very special player for us,” noting that he wants the team to continue to follow Lefthandbull’s example.
The Pirates’ defense also came up with three interceptions on the night, with Limebrook, Sams and Mazur each snagging one.
Noah Bellina converted one of two extra-point kick attempts, and Mazur converted four of four extra-point kick attempts.
Morales also spoke about the support from the community and the encouragement the Pirates get from playing at home.
“It’s always good to see that the community comes out and supports us,” he said, explaining that the goal is to go out and make the community proud and “give our best effort no matter what.”
“We take pride in our football family, but also taking care of our school and our community,” he said.
Morales spoke more about the game against St. Pius X, and how this is the last nonleague matchup for the Pirates this season.
He noted he wants the Pirates to continue to grow each week and “do it for each other.”
He explained that by facing tougher opponents early on in the season, the Pirates will have the opportunity to learn from mistakes and hopefully avoid making similar mistakes deeper into the season against tough league opponents.
“I’d rather fix those now,” he said.
Morales also stressed that “every game matters” with the Pirates being in a bigger league this year with a total of seven teams.
“We just got to play together,” he said, noting that the Pirates “would love” to see fans in the stands again Friday night.
He also mentioned the Pirates have more than 50 players on the roster this year and that it takes everyone doing their job in order to be successful.
“It takes all of us to be a good football team,” he said.
The Pirates will host the Sartans at Golden Peaks Stadium on Friday, Sept. 4, with kick off scheduled for 7 p.m.
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