CYRIL PIRATES
Coach: TREVOR KNIGHT
5-6
OFFENSE
As head coach Trevor Knight prepares his team for another season, the Pirate fans are noticeably optimistic coming into the fall. One reason could be the players the Pirates have coming back. “We only lose three seniors. Should be solid on both offense and defense. Excited,” said coach Knight. The Knight offense is as varied as it gets. They can run the spread or line up tight and move you off the line of scrimmage. One reason for that is Joshua Shaffer (6-6, 250, Sr.) at center. Shaffer is a big man who can move people but is athletic enough to pass protect. Nash Harman (6-0, 175, Jr.) is the benefactor of having Shaffer up front. Last season Harman scored 40 touchdowns proving he can get the job done on the ground and through the air. Jonathan Jones (5-9, 170, Sr.) is a nice compliment to Harman. Jones is versatile enough to line up in the backfield at RB or leak out and play SE. He is comfortable at both and dangerous with the ball.
DEFENSE
Six starters are back on defense including Brayden Hajj (5-8, 180, Jr.) at linebacker. Hajj is quick at closing the distance to the ball and plays a physical style of football. Also look for Malachi Dahmer (So.) at linebacker. Coach Knight believes Dahmer is the missile on defense and could be the X-factor this season. The defensive front is solidified by Robert Hannah (5-8, 215, Jr.) who loves to put pressure on opposing QBs. Ashton Langliotti (5-9, 160, Sr.) is the feature player in the secondary. He will have some help but look for a big season from the senior. Bravyn Thompson (Fr.) may see time in the secondary and is an exciting young player. Thompson will likely play WR on offense. Other players to watch include Cadeon Jackson and Ryan Long. The coaching staff includes Tanner Knight, Jaylen McGuire, Joshua Garza, and Ben Claborn.
9-6 – vs. Burns Flat-Dill City
9-13 – at Empire
9-20 – vs. Mt. View-Gotebo
9-27 – at Snyder
10-4 – vs. Life Christian
10-11 – vs. Weleetka
10-17 – at Wetumka
10-25 – at Alex
11-1 – vs. Strother
11-8 – vs. Thackerville
