Polson opens season at home Friday night

Zach Urness

Leader Staff

The way last season ended for the Polson Pirates is enough to make your stomach turn. Leading 27-14 with only 3:34 left to play, the Anaconda Copperheads reeled off two quick touchdowns and punched across the two-point conversion to hand the Pirates a gut-wrenching end to their season.

"That's not a game I like to think about," said Polson head coach Scott Wilson with a slight laugh. "It was a very tough loss and one of those things that stung for a while, but as a coaching staff we can use those experiences as a learning tool."

And a fresh new season will do wonders for a team trying to overcome a such heartache.

"It's a new season," said Wilson. "There are new expectations and a new group."

The Pirates, although they lost a lot of good players to graduation, should have a chance to approach last season's 7-2 overall record and make it back to the playoffs.

"The goal is to return to the playoffs every year," commented Wilson. "We'll be a little young this season, but we have a good nucleus of kids and my expectations are for us to be competitive in non-conference games and hopefully make a good showing within the conference."

One reason for optimism is the return of quarterback Craig Bagnell, who, despite being only a junior brings with him three years of varsity experience. Anthony Golden and Skylar Knutson will play important roles on the offensive line, a position the Pirates will be especially green at.

"Those guys will play important leadership roles on the team," noted Wilson.

Returning players John Rausch and Cody Doyle will also play important roles on the team.

"John is one of the top defensive backs in the conference and Cody will play both ways at running back and linebacker," said Wilson.

Two youngsters who can make an immediate impact for the Pirates will be Brock Picard, who will step into the very large shoes of his all-state older brother Bryce.

"He'll be playing running back and linebacker for us," said Wilson.

Tim Rausch will take his spot on the football field alongside his brother John.

Getting things started has taken a little longer than expected for PHS, however, as some of the worst smoke in recent memory has kept them inside and off the football field (see related story, B1).

But, Polson was out on the practice field on Monday and will have four days to get ready before the Friday night lights shine down upon the Pirates for the home opener against Stevensville at 7 p.m.