Entering his eighteenth season as the head coach of the Vidor Pirates Jeff Mathews believes the program is in fine shape. For almost two decades Mathews has been producing strong football teams and good young men.
Coach Mathews will have several excellent players returning to lead the Pirates’ offense this season. Topping the list is Haylon Leckelt a four-year starter at running back who could become Vidor’s all-time leading rusher. Leckelt needs 1200 yards, which he has surpassed each of the last two seasons, to set the new standard. Kolbie Humble was the Pirates’ third leading rusher last season and is back. An injury kept Maverick Quirante out for the 2015 season, but he is healthy now. Mathews says the Pirates are two deep at each position on offense which should allow them to keep fresh legs on the field, and he hopes for a lot of success with that.
Vidor has more lettermen and starters back on the defensive side of the ball according to Mathews. Twin brothers Joey and Tony Ciccio will be stalwarts on defense. Joey was Vidor’s leading tackler last season as just a sophomore at linebacker. Mathews characterizes him as a natural born leader. Tony should be the Pirates’ best defensive lineman. Quirante started at free safety two years ago as a sophomore. Two three-year starters Peyton Berg and Brock Vincent will be at the cornerback positions. Eight starters are back on defense for Vidor. “A lot of experience back there,” comments Mathews.
Some young Pirates will be on deck for Coach Mathews. William Fawcett played some last year, but is making a strong showing to become the Pirates’ starting quarterback. Seth Smith has gotten bigger and faster, Mathews looks for some big things from Seth on both sides of the ball.
The Pirates compete in a very tough district. Mathews leaves no doubt, Vidor will be a factor in the District 22-5A playoff chase this season. Coach Mathews states, “We’re going to be playing Week 11, I think that’s the best thing I can say we’re going to be playing.”
The season opens for Vidor at home August 26 against the Barbers Hill Eagles. The Pirates start district action in Week 3 of the season on Saturday afternoon, September 10, at Beaumont against the Central Jaguars.
-Dan Perrine, KOGT-
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