DJ Chavez runs for a few yards at a recent scrimmage

GRANTS - Grants Pirates football is back and the boys are fired up and ready to have another fantastic year.

OVERVIEW

Looking at last year, the Pirates have so much work to get done. Last season, the Pirates finished the year off 6-5 and 2-1 in District play. The Pirates also made it to the State Championship playoffs but unfortunately they lost in the first round to their rivals Albuquerque Academy. The Pirates are on a mission to improve from last year and finally win the big one.

THE PLAYERS

The Pirates have a lot of key players coming back such as Juaquine Rivera who plays defensive line, Andres Lazos who is a running back,  Isaiah Ortega who plays wide receiver, and Ryan Tortalita who plays on the offensive line. These key players are big for the Pirates because their experience is important to the team because they know the ins and outs of the game, and that's big for the Pirates and for the underclassman players.  They have also added some other possible contributors such as the Melonas boys, Boudy and Coudy, who are splitting time on offense and defense. They will look to help the Pirates out as they seek their redemption from last year. There are some changes in the coaching as two coaches join the JV football staff. 

THE SCHEDULE

The Pirates have a very decent schedule this coming season; they are excited to play Aztec which is new in the District this year. The Tigers finished their season off last year at 7-5 overall and 2-1 in District play. This may be the first football meeting between the Pirates and Tigers, so this is going to be a good, but tough, game for the Pirates. The Pirates will also play Taos and Bloomfield who have always been good opponents for the Pirates. 

Taos finished off its season last year 4-7 and 2-1 in District play, with one of those losses coming to the Pirates, who ran away with a big win, 28-27. 

Bloomfield, on the other hand, finished off its season last year 11-1 and 3-0 in District play. 

Last season, the Pirates played the Bobcats but unfortunately took a tough loss, 60-7. 

The Pirates will kick off their season with the Miyamura Patriots at home on Friday, August 23, 2024.Last time the Pirates played the Patriots was over a half decade ago and the Pirates took the win 34-0.