Reeling Pirates to visit Rivercrest Colts

GAME PREVIEW

The Gosnell Pirates (4-3, 1-3) visit Rivercrest Friday in a game many thought could determine first place in the 3-4A Conference four weeks ago.

Since then, the Pirates have struggled in conference games, managing only one win against Pocahontas, while losing to Trumann, Highland and Blytheville.

Jai Jacobs

A visit to tangle with the Colts could be the medicine the Pirates need as a win over the Colts, who share first place with Blytheville, would get Gosnell back on track as the regular season winds down.

The Pirates are being paced by senior Cameron Williams who leads the team in rushing and has scored four touchdowns. While the senior star is second in receiving he has thrown for two scores but has yet to catch a touchdown pass this season.

Jai Jacobs-Ford leads the team with 30 catches for 458 yards and is second on the team with 275 rushing yards.

Michael Rainer

On defense, Vanterrious Lucas leads the team with 93 tackles while Carson Tally is second with 84 stops. Williams had four interceptions this season to lead the Pirates ball hawking secondary which has 10 overall pickoffs.

The Colts (6-2, 4-0) are winners of four in a row and come home full of confidence after knocking off the Highland Rebels by mercy rule, 43-6.

The Colts offense continues to fire on all cylinders, as skill players make the difference. Michael Rainer, Koby Turner, Cavonta Washington, Tekylun Sanders, Jayden Young and Budda Harris present problems for the Colts opposition.

Koby Turner

The Colts offense has scored more than 40 points in every conference game this season.

The Colts defense has welcomed back star linebacker Marcus Slayton, who along with Turner is returning to form as well after missing time due to injury. Senior defensive end Wyatt Lancaster had a school record 23 tackles in the win at Highland and also booted a 44 yard punt out of his own end zone in the first quarter.

Coach Johnny Fleming is glad to get his team back close to full strength as they enter the stretch run of the season.

“We are just missing Amarion Lofton and Carty Smith. So, we are getting healthy at the right time,” said Fleming.

The Colts and Pirates clash at 7 p.m. Friday at Cortez Kennedy Field in Wilson.