The Deweyville Pirates have plenty of reasons to celebrate their 28-8 win over Bowie Friday in San Augustine.
First and foremost they reach the third round of the playoffs for the first time. It’s also their first 10-win season (10-2). And they got revenge on Bowie who knocked them out of the playoffs last season. And it was a dominating performance, especially in the second half, as the Pirates held Bowie to eight points after coming in averaging 40 per game.
Head Coach Brandon Prouse and his staff deserve much of the credit with their fourth straight trip to the playoffs. Prouse says it’s the kids.
Deweyville won their two playoff games without their leading rusher CJ Milton who injured his knee before the last regular season game against Lovelady.
“These kids stepped it up. It’s Johnny Wholestaff in the backfield. They had to learn quick (after Milton’s injury) and each one has different talents that they bring,” he said.
Prouse mentioned the maturity the team has shown, especially on the defensive side of the ball. “Last week we had three goal line stands and we stopped them on the two point conversion for the win. Tonight we threw an interception early but the defense came up with the stop and then in the second half they turned it up a notch.”
Yes, they did. Leading 8-6 the Pirates “D” held Bowie on a fourth down try in the red zone right before the half. And Bowie did not score in the second half while the Pirates took advantage of several turnovers. They also seemed to frustrate and wear Bowie down as they were flagged for several 15 yard personal fouls and one player was ejected.
Deweyville took the opening drive of the second half and took five minutes off the clock with QB Kallel Crooks scoring from the two regain the lead 12-8.
The Pirates recovered a fumble and were quickly back in the end zone as QB Crooks was hit at the goal line, losing the ball, but Slade Landry was there to fall on it for the score. The Pirates added two for a 20-8 lead.
In the fourth the Pirates took advantage of Bowie snapping over the punters head. Elijah Curl would score several plays later and add another two point conversion for the 20 point lead.
The defense continued to frustrate the Bowie offense, recovering another fumble with about six minutes left to seal the historic win.
The Pirates will face Mart, Friday at 7p at Huntsville HS.
-Gary Stelly, KOGT-
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