By: Kipp Branch
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

With so much uncertainty surrounding the Brunswick High Pirate football program this week coming off two straight region losses to inferior teams the Pirates kept their playoff hopes alive with a 24-10 win over a favored Richmond Hill.

It was senior night at the stadium and Coach Larry Harold had his team chomping at the bit to play and the Pirates played inspired football.

This football team looked like the Pirates we all expected this season last night as the offense came out and dominated the line of scrimmage from the opening kickoff, and the defense controlled a high-powered offense only giving up 10 points.

Pirate Report Card:

Offense: A. This group came out and dominated Richmond Hill up front and kept their offense on the bench. The Brunswick running game clicked for big chunks of yardage and the passing game with Jaylen Jackson getting a look at WR made the Wildcats pay in passing situations. The Pirates were amazing on third down all night.

Coach Harold kept the Wildcats off balance with some nice reverses in the game plan. Under the intense scrutiny the program is under right now a great effort to rebound against a quality football team.

Wiley Golden had a nice TD catch on a fantastic play action pass call from the coaching staff, and we had a Kalvin Godette sighting last night as the talented sophomore had a 14 yard TD catch. Jamarius Stevens looked sharp running and throwing.

Defense: A. This unit held a high-powered offense to 10 points. Brunswick got a good push in passing rushing situations. Sherrod Frazier is the best defensive player in this region, and Kam Futch sacked the QB for a safety.

Frazier jumped a post route for an interception that led to the Godette touchdown that put the Pirates up 22-3 at the half. This group has been solid all year and if tie breaking scenarios are used for playoff seeding then this unit by virtue of giving up only 80 points in region play will land the Pirates a playoff spot. Solid unit.

Special Teams: A. Sherrod Frazier had a 47-yard kickoff return to open the game and set the tone. Kick offs were deeper than normal and coverage was solid.

Coaching: A. Considering the circumstances this was Larry Harold’s best job to date. Three games in eight days and rumors swirling he had this team ready to play, and they played well.

Larry Harold is a good, Godly man. I have a lot of respect for him and he showed last night that he can block out the distractions that tough losses cause and got his team ready for a quality football team.

Overall: A. This was the best performance of the year when Brunswick needed it the most. Great job by this coaching staff that has taken a lot of heat in this community.

The Pirates can get in the playoffs via tie breaking rules if Effingham County beats Richmond Hill next Friday in Springfield.

Can we petition the GHSA to allow the same crew to work the game next week that we had up there on 10/21? If so, then the Pirates can punch our playoff ticket now.

Can somebody find me an Effingham football shirt to wear this week? Pirate nation will be pulling hard for the Rebels next Friday.

I am always proud to be Pirate. Five losses by a combined 14 points. Let this team get in the playoffs and I promise you they will be a tough out.