2012 LSG Team Preview — Pittsburg Pirates

By Michael Wright
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Updated: August 22, 2012

2012 LSG Texas High School Football Team Preview — Pittsburg Pirates

Team: Pittsburg Pirates (13-3A)

Colors: Black/Gold

1st varsity season: 1912

Stadium: Pirate Stadium (Capacity: 3,000)

Enrollment: 660 -- 4th largest in the district out of 6 schools

2012 Schedule:
vs. Wills Point at Tyler
@ Gladewater
New Boston
Dallas Prime Prep ?? (doesn't look likely)
Palestine
Paris North Lamar **
@ Paris **
Texarkana Liberty-Eylau **
@ Texarkana Pleasant Grove **
Atlanta **

Coach: Robert Manley (5 years) 38-20 at Pittsburg (#3 in all-time wins at Pittsburg); 38-20 all-time coaching record

Coaches Comments: Transition year after the loss of 19 lettermen and several multi-year starters in 2011. The Offensive Line should be the strength of the team, as it will feature 4 multi-year starters and several key offensive leaders. The running game will be leaned on while new skill players gain experience at Wide Receiver and Quarterback. Defensively, the loss of 7 starters including the entire Secondary and the MLB will be felt. Should be good up-front on defense. Paris will be the favorite to win the district after a great season in 2011. The district could be very wide-open after that with Atlanta probably favored to take a play-off spot after making the playoffs in 2011 and having most of their team back. The final playoff spot will likely be up for grabs between the remaining four district teams: Liberty-Eylau, North Lamar, Pleasant Grove and Pittsburg.

Returning Lettermen: 15

Returning Starters: Offense: 6 Defense: 4

Key Players:
* TY HAMMONDS - WR Leading returning WR and team leader Great size and hands excellent route runner
* BRIAN TAYLOR - RT Will be a 3-year starter this fall, and is a returning 2x All-District Player. Plays with a mean-streak and is the leader of the Offensive Line Committed to SMU
* SHAWN ALBRIGHT - LT Will be a 3-year starter at Left Tackle this fall, plays with great technique. All-District Honorable Mention in 2011
* DANIEL QUINONES - LG Will be a 3-year starter at Left Guard, and a returning All-District Player
* DEE MOTON - OLB/WR Will be counted on as a leader on both sides of the ball
* CARL LEONARD - OLB All-District as a Sophomore after starting all 10 games in 2011 Returning leader in Tackles, INTs, & PBUs. Has great range and athleticism
* K.J. WILLIAMS - LB/DE All-District player in 2011 Led the team in TFLs, Sacks, Forced Fumbles and Quarterback Pressures last season. Will be counted on to be a playmaker on Defense.
* TY SMITH - OL/DL Started on the Offensive Line as a Sophomore and will be counted on to anchor both lines in 2012
* KEL WALLACE - WR/DB Great Size and leaping ability
* GARRETT TRUITT - QB Moving up from the JV, great student of the game with excellent size (6'4) and arm strength
* MARKEITH THOMPSON - DB Will provide good athleticism and range on the corner. Saw some time at Corner in 2011
* JOHNATHAN BOYD - DB/WR Will be counted on to play both sides. Saw action in several games as a Sophomore in 2011
* CALVIN BATES - DE Great size and strength. Will be depended on along the defensive line
* DEREK ALLEN - RB/LB Leading returning rusher from 2011. Explosive runner that has great hips and feet, and who is tough to bring down in the open field. Will be depended on to set the tone on offense. One of the top returning tacklers from 2011
* COLTON SEARCY - WR/LB

2011 JV Record: 4-6

Notes:
* Have gone 11-9 and missed the playoffs for the last 2 seasons (Was in a tough 16-3A district)

Mike Says: The Pirates will be glad to get out of 16-3A which was one of the most competitive in the state. They do not have it easy in 13-3A but it will be easier. This year the offensive line and defensive front 7 will be the keys to victory. Look for them to go 7-3 or 6-4 in the regular season and battle Texarkana Liberty-Eylau for that last playoff spot.

Chris Says: Pittsburg has a lot of experience returning, just not a lot of starters. Usually, that translates to some losses early as they figure out who is going to step up. While the district battle will be easier in 13-3A than they are used to, a playoff spot is not at all guaranteed. The Pirates are going to have to come together in some of the big district matchups if they want to have any postseason games.

Last Years Record: 5-5 overall 1-4 District

2011 Games:
vs Jefferson (5-6) (W 42-0)
at Palestine (7-4) (W 33-28)
vs Bullard Brook Hill (11-3) (W 29-16)
at Atlanta (5-6) (W 28-7) 7:30 PM
at Tatum (12-3) (L 19-42)
vs Carthage (9-4)* (OT) (L 16-23)
at Henderson (11-3)* (L 13-38)
vs Gladewater (5-5)* (W 43-23)
at Longview Spring Hill (2-8)* (L 12-26)
vs Gilmer (13-1)* (L 6-14)

Playoffs: No Playoffs

History:
* Ranks #89 in Class 3A All-Time Winning %
* All-Time Record: 427-427-30 50.00% 884 games
* Playoff Appearances (22) 1951,1975,1978,1979,1980,1981,1982,1983,1984,1985,1986,1987,1996,1997,1998,1999
2000,2004,2005,2007,2008,2009

Championship History: (1) 1-0
1980 3A - Pittsburg 13, Van Vleck 2

Last 5 year record: 38-20

Last 10 year record: 55-54

Did you play for the Pittsburg Pirates? You are eligible for The Brotherhood of Texas High School Football. <---click to be honored