The basics
Who: Pinckney at Adrian
Where: Maple Stadium, Adrian
When: 7 p.m.
Broadcast: On The LIvingston Post, starting at 6:50 p.m. Click here for the link!
Records: Pinckney 5-1 (4-1 SEC White), Adrian 3-3, 2-3
About Adrian
The Maples, Pinckney coach Rod Beaton says, are a lot like last week’s opponent, Tecumseh, whom the Pirates beat 35-10 last week. “They’re a physical team, they like to run the ball and they have some very good athletes,” he said. Among them is sophomore Antwan Ficklen Jr. “He’s a do-it-all athlete for them,” Beaton said.
About Pinckney
The Pirates offense has been anchored by quarterback Jack Wurzer, who has thrown for 913 yards this season, with 793 of those yards going to Nick Cain (436) and Alex Wasyl (357). Wurzer is a threat to run, with six rushing scores this season, and Levi Collins has rushed for 717 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. “We have some guys who create some matchup problems,” Beaton said. “It’s a testament to our kids and (offensive co-coordinator Cody) Patton. He and (co-coordinator Jesse) Cogwell have done an unbelievable job getting this offense going.”
The Pirates’ big zero
That would be the number of interceptions thrown by Wurzer in 85 passes so far this season. “A lot of it has to do with his confidence and preparation,” Beaton said. “The beautiful thing about Jack is he doesn’t get too up and he doesn’t get too down. He’s very even keeled in what he does.”
A lot on the line
Pinckney can clinch a playoff spot for the second year in a row with a win, something the Pirates have never done. They can also clinch at least a share of the SEC White title with a win, their first league title since 1995. “I’ve talked to the kids about the opportunity to compete for a league championship, which we haven’t been able to do since 1995,” Beaton said. “To be able to cement themselves in the history and legacy of the school for that, not as pressure, but to use it as fuel this week, to continue to play the way we’ve been playing this year.”