MCHS Pirates win pre-season game
by Glenda Bailey, sports writer

MCHS Pirate defense proves big.

Miller County Pirates' Head Football Coach Frank Killingsworth, Assistant Coaches Jason Houston, Nate George, and Dick Griffin have been working diligently with our Mighty Pirates. The numbers are small, but their hearts are big.

The Pirates' Field had a good crowd of fans to watch the pre-season game as the Pirates hosted the Irwin County Indians. Captains for Miller County were Jeremy Grant, Alan George, and Robert Baker.

Miller County had control of the pigskin, but was unsuccessful. The Irwin County Indians picked up a couple of first downs, but the Pirates' Black Death Defense stood strong with Cameron Randle, Cosby Salters, Philip Mackey, Trez Morgan, Zenario Shuler, McQuel Sims, Juwan Jones, and Jeffrey King, causing the Indians to kick away.

The Pirates started from their own 19 yard line and picked up a couple of first downs with Grant's quarterback keeper and wide-receiver Tony Grier. But unfortunately it would not be enough causing Pirate-Russell Hart to kick away to Irwin County with the first quarter coming to an end.

In the second quarter both teams switched control of the pigskin with good defensive effort but were unable to put points on the board.

The second half of this game was totally different. Irwin County was first to score, and the point attempt was on target, but the Indians were not satisfied. They scored again with Indian #11 Brian Benson, but the extra point was a puzzle. The score stood 13-0 in favor of the Irwin County Indians.

On these next couple of drives, our Pirates maintained their mast on several plays. Frank Jones picked up a first down; Shawndre Sheffield broke out like a miniature Doberman picking a first down and putting the Pirates just inside the Indians' five yard line. The Indians were surprised on this next play as Grant connected with Chris Williams in the end zone for a touchdown. Miller County's two-point conversion was made with Grant handing off to Cosby Salters, putting the Pirates on the scoreboard, 13-8.

In the final quarter, Miller County's Black Death held, causing a major turnover. First and ten for the Pirates from just inside the Indians territory, Trez Morgan stepped in and took over the role of quarterback. Morgan connected to Juwan Jones; next Morgan kept the pig home and picked up a couple of yards. On this next drive again Morgan kept the pig home and scored, but the Pirates' two point's conversion was unsuccessful. The Pirates were up by one with the score, 14-13.

Once again the Black Death Defense came out "CRUNK," causing the Indians to lose control. With the pigskin back in the Pirates' possession, Morgan handed off to Sheffield picking up a couple of yards. Second down, Morgan connected with Zenario Shuler to pick up a first down. On the next first and second downs, Morgan again kept the squealer home and picked up another first. The Pirates' offense held on and opened up a hole big enough for a Clydesdale, but instead it was a Morgan that scored. Again the two points was not on, but the Pirates had won their pre-season game with the final score of 20-13.

Pirate fans, the first home game will be this Friday here at the Miller County Pirate Field against Wilcox County. Game time is at 8:00 p.m. The team, along with our coaches, Miller County Cheerleaders with Coach Susan Wade, and the Miller County Marching Pirate Pride Band under the direction of Richard Horne look forward to seeing a packed stadium. So calling all Pirate Football fans, come on down to the Field and lets get "CRUNK" with our cheerleaders and band for our Pirates!