The Palisades Pirates are determined to turn the tide in the upcoming 2024 football season after a challenging previous year. Despite an initial struggle that led to seven losses in their first eight games, the team demonstrated resilience by winning their final two matches, securing a spot in the District 11 Class 2A playoffs. Head coach Bobby Smith emphasized the importance of mindset, noting, “How we felt after games was part of growing up. They were like, ‘Well, there’s always another one.’”
The Pirates’ late-season surge saw them outscore opponents Wilson and Salisbury by a combined total of 68-6, which not only clinched the final district playoff berth but also provided invaluable experience in the subsequent match against Schuylkill Haven. As the team heads into the new season, there is a palpable sense of energy and expectation, driven by a commitment to improvement and teamwork.
Building on Last Year’s Lessons
Junior wide receiver and defensive back Lincoln Cook expressed the team’s shared resolve to enhance their performance this year. “Last year didn’t go how we planned. We’re all working hard to be better, and we’re going to turn things around,” he stated. With a solid roster featuring nine seniors and six juniors, the leadership on the field is evident. The team is focused on collective success rather than individual statistics, a mindset that Bobby Smith believes is crucial: “If there’s no ‘W,’ [the stats are] worthless.”
The Pirates lost two key two-way players, John Haubert and Angelo Ziccardi, but the returning players are filled with athleticism and experience. This year, the Pirates will face a challenging schedule, with five of their first six games on the road, beginning with a match against Bristol on August 22.
Key Players to Watch
Senior quarterback Jack Trickel is poised to lead the Pirates this season after stepping up as a full-time starter last year. Trickel completed 129 of 242 passes for 1,461 yards, recording 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He aims to improve his performance through consistent teamwork, stating, “The coaches and my teammates helped me a bunch with my confidence. I struggled with too many interceptions last year.”
Trickel’s physical development over the offseason is notable; he grew three inches and gained 18 pounds. Coach Bobby Smith remarked, “He’s had the biggest jump I’ve seen in all the players.” Trickel’s ongoing work on reading defenses and honing his skills further enhances the team’s offensive strategy.
Surrounding Trickel are several talented athletes, including Cook, who recorded 49 receptions for 627 yards and five touchdowns last season. Coach Smith praised Cook’s potential, asserting, “Cook as a wide receiver is among the top I’ve ever been around.”
Senior Ashton Fitzgerald will take on the role of the main running back after catching 22 passes last year, including three for touchdowns. His speed adds a significant threat to the team’s offensive capabilities. Additionally, seniors Silas Day and Max Woerner are expected to be pivotal contributors on both sides of the ball.
The Pirates’ offensive line, anchored by junior Will Kapp at center, has also made substantial improvements, enabling skill players to execute plays effectively. With a focus on teamwork and shared goals, the Pirates are ready to make an impact in the upcoming season.
Coach Smith reflected on the team’s commitment, stating, “The whole offseason, this team realized that this could be the last 10 games for the seniors. All nine seniors have been starting since they were sophomores.” With the knowledge that their efforts will shape their legacy, the Pirates are eager to embark on their 2024 journey.
The Pirates’ complete schedule is as follows:
– Saturday, August 22: at Bristol, 7 p.m.
– Friday, August 29: at Saucon Valley
– Friday, September 5: at Catasauqua
– Friday, September 12: Northern Lehigh
– Saturday, September 20: at Pen Argyl, 1:30 p.m.
– Friday, September 26: at Blue Mountain
– Friday, October 3: Palmerton
– Friday, October 10: Notre Dame-GP (at Lafayette College)
– Friday, October 17: Wilson
– Friday, October 24: Salisbury
As the Palisades Pirates prepare for the season ahead, they are fueled by the lessons learned from last year and a strong desire to achieve their goals.
