The Lubbock Cooper Pirates ended last season with a devastating 24-21 loss against El Paso East Lake in the playoffs.
A new season brings redemption for the Pirates football program, who ended 9-2.
Head coach Max Kattwinkel said this is the best off season he has seen from his team.
“One of the things we’ve talked about that is kind of our rallying theme or whatever is ‘Press On’. We just want to be able to overcome some adverse situations and press on and go through those and press on further than we did last year,” Kattwinkel said.
With seven returners on offense and four on defense, the Pirates are looking to defend their district championship with their spread offense.
One key returner on defense is safety Ty Thomas. He had 107 tackles, two interceptions and is committed to Arizona State University.
Offensively, veteran quarterback Jarrett Doege will return for his senior season and is committed to Bowling Green.
“It helps a lot having those veterans back, especially all those offensive lineman. I mean the team chemistry is so much better this year. We are one and it’s just going to make us so much better,” Doege said.
With team unity and chemistry, the Pirates are striving to make playoffs again this year.
