Young Pirates shine in early season

GOSNELL— The Gosnell Pirates have got off to a hot start as they enter the 2023 bye week undefeated at 3-0 with impressive wins over Piggott (42-6); Brookland (32-18); and Osceola (28-6). 

The latest victory over the county rival Osceola Seminoles led to sophomore defender Asarias Gonzalez to hold a school record and rank second for most sacks in a single game in the state of Arkansas as he sacked Osceola sophomore quarterback Tyler Bell six times.

Gonzalez has seven total sacks on the season. He has 25 total tackles; 16 of which have been solo tackles.

Jai Jacobs-Ford

“Asarias Gonzalez he broke a single game record with six sacks last game,” explained Pirates head coach Lewis Earnest. “As far back as Maxpreps stats go, which is 2003, it’s a school record. Now I don’t know before that. You know you really can’t go back and check before that. I went back and looked at Maxpreps all the way to 2003 and it was a confirmed record and it’s the second most all-time in the state of Arkansas. The record is 7 (sacks in one-game).”

Earnest stated the Pirates had nine sacks total in the game. 

The Pirates offense has also been setting the tone as well for Earnest's squad as senior quarterback Trent Middleton has had success connecting with his receiver core and played against Osceola with a hurt ankle. 

Hunter Riggs

“ (Middleton) is hobbled right now. He got a pretty bad sprained ankle against Brookland. He fought through it Friday night,” explained Earnest. “He played about half the snaps at quarterback. It’s a luxury for him to be able to throw the ball to Cam, Jai and some of the other guys we got. They’re so fast that other defensive backs are bailing so fast so the hitch is wide open.”

Middleton’s classmate Cameron Williams, brother of Pirate standout and current starter at Missouri State Floyd Williams, and sophomore Jai Jacobs-Ford have also been making a name for themselves this season with big games. 

Williams has caught 16 passes for 345 yards and ran the ball twice for 48-yards and a touchdown.

Imari Young

Earnest stated Williams is strong. 

Jacobs-Ford has 24 carries for 130-yards while catching 22-receptions for 258-yards a touchdown.

“Jai Jacobs is having a big year so far,” said Earnest. “He leads the 4A in catches.” 

Earnest added that Jacob’s- Ford makes plays after the catch. 

The Pirates receivers work “hard”, according to Earnest.

Earnest mentioned a host of sophomores who have stepped up this sea-son including Imari Young, who has two pick-sixes. Hunter Riggs had a big catch against Osceola and also Ayden Cleveland, who collected three sacks in one game.