Pirates try to finish strong

The Sneads Pirates won’t make the 1A playoffs this year.

However, Sneads coach Don Dowling’s Pirates can still find some satisfaction in the season’s final two weeks.

The Pirates (4-4, 4-3 in district play) travel to Panama City tonight to take on the Bozeman Bucks (4-5, 3-4).

With a win, Sneads can avoid finishing the year with a winless road record.

The Pirates have struggled all year in away games, surrendering nearly twice as many points per game on the road (26.5) as at home (13.5).

Sneads has lost nine consecutive road games dating back to the 2007 season. The last road victory for SHS was a 26-18 win over Freeport on Nov. 2, 2007.

“We’ve been talking about breaking that streak,” Dowling said Thursday. “We’re challenging the seniors to help us win one on the road. I don’t know why we’ve been having such a tough time. We played a lot better last week, so I think we’ll play better this week.”

Sneads lost 10-7 to Northview last week. Dowling said he was particularly encouraged by the play of his defense, which had given up 27 or more points in the previous three road games.

“Our defense showed back up,” the coach said. “We gave up one big play for a touchdown, and had a turnover that gave them a field goal, and that was it. They came to play. I was proud of the way they played, so hopefully our defense is back now.”

Bozeman started the season 0-4, but the Bucks have bounced back to win four of their last five. The Bucks dominated Jay last week in a 28-7 victory.

“They started off slow, but they’ve come on like gangbusters lately,” Dowling said of the Bucks. “They’re a big team that will try to pound you. I think we’re
faster than they are, but once again they’re bigger than us. I hope we can turn the corner on them and have a big night from (running backs Mark Lawson and
Jeff Davis).”

The Pirates will finish the season with a rare home game against the Marianna Bulldogs. The teams have never met before in a regular season game. With a
win tonight and in the finale against the Bulldogs, the Pirates can end their road losing streak, beat a county foe and finish the season with a winning record.

“I hope we do that,” Dowling said. “The guys are still bouncing around with a pep in their step, so they’re looking forward to it. They’re excited about the Marianna game, and one of the goals before the season was to have a winning record and be undefeated at home. We’ve still got those two goals that we’re working towards.”