Lubbock-Cooper Pirate Debut
Friday, August 30th was the day…the day the Pirates would take the field once again after their heart-breaking loss to Wichita Rider in December of 2018. These athletes, this coaching staff and the entire community have been waiting on pins and needles for this debut for 263 days.
Lots has changed…lots. Many key players graduated including a large majority of both lines and the team’s QB. BUT most notably, the Pirate leader for the last 6 years, Max Kattwinkel, took on the full-time position of LCISD Athletic Director while the Offensive Coordinator for the Pirates, Chip Darden was promoted to the head coach position.
New Head Coach, Chip Darden
I wasn’t at the Odessa scrimmage because I had prior obligations but I heard the Pirates looked stout. But just like any other team coming off a long, hot summer, the Pirates needed some more work. And that’s exactly what they got.
Last year, LCP played the Mustangs in Andrews and the Pirates won that game 52-50 with a late field goal by Brock Thompson and not only that, Andrews scrimmage was rained out so there was no way for the coaches who scouted to know what to expect from this tough team. So much anticipation and excitement about this opening game would soon play out.
Four of the team captains head towards mid-field for the coin toss.
The other half of the captain squad wait in anticipation for the coin toss.
#99 Gage Peters eyes his opponents after waiting an entire year to get back on the field after a season ending knee injury sidelined him his junior year.
After the Mustangs won the toss and deferred, the Pirate captains chose to receive the kickoff. It was time for Lubbock-Cooper to take the stage.
I have always loved the tunnel shots!! You can see the fight in their eyes!!
The Pirate Pom Squad was all smiles and excitement after the Pirates took the field for the first time in almost 9 months.
Through the blazing hot sun rays, the offensive line looks to the sidelines for direction. Late August games are tough for everyone but the setting sun would soon give the Pirates some relief.
Star senior running back, Tyler Hairston leads one of his newest teammates, stand out Nehemiah Martinez into a den of defenders getting swallowed by the o-line.
North Texas commit, Isaiah Johnson rushes for several of what would be many yards on the night.
Brand new QB, junior Cooper LaFebre hands off to senior Jacob Dennis early in the first quarter.
#4 Rylan Wilcox, a junior for the Pirates, picks up some yards leaving a Mustang in the dust.
La Febre rolls out and looks for a receiver. La Febre was outstanding in his debut running in two TDS.
#8 senior, Kelan Jordan prepares to block for his teammates, QB LaFebre and RB Dennis.
LaFebre zips a pass right over the defender’s hands to pick up some yardage.
Senior kicker, Brock Thompson puts a PAT on the board late in the second half.
The drumline never disappoints!!
Martinez making his presence known during his debut year as a Lubbock-Cooper Pirate.
Every single year, the seniors line the fence to cheer on the Pirates. Their themes are the best in FNL!!
Johnson stiff arms a defender.
First year head coach, Chip Darden animately leads his team.
#3 Johnson leaves his opponents on the turf as he races to yet another touchdown.
The beautiful and happy, Lubbock-Cooper Pirate Cheerleaders!!
The vivacious LCP Pom Squad in all their glory!!
Dennis takes one to the house with just a few minutes left in the game.
These two running backs are all smiles after contributing in a big way to a 45-20 win over the Andrews Mustangs.