Monday, September 16, 2024
It could be said the Granbury Pirates football program and new head coach Bobby Allison were made for each other. He’s also coached players of all levels, including college.
The Pirates, meanwhile, are looking for the secret to winning again consistently. Their last playoff appearance was in 2019 under Chad Zschiesche. As far as consistent playoff appearances, not since a stretch of four seasons (2010-13) have they had back-to-back postseason berths.
While the past two seasons took a dip in the second half, each started out with much promise for the Pirates. They were 4-0 in 2022 before finishing 4-6 and began 2023 with a 3-0 record before finishing 3-7.
IMPRESSIVE RESUME’
Allison came to Granbury after spending the past 10 seasons at Justin Northwest, where he was defensive coordinator, assistant head coach and recruiting coordinator. In only one season, he was instrumental in turning the Texans around from 1-9 in 2015 to 10-2 in 2016.
The Texans have been playoff regulars ever since, including a 10-3 record and third-round playoff appearance in 2023.
Allison’s two decades of experience also includes Odessa, Sharpstown, Level and San Angelo Central. At Sharpstown, where he was co-defensive coordinator, he helped the Bobcats win 10 games for the first time in 20 seasons and advance to the playoffs. At Sharpstown, he helped end a 29-game losing streak with a 6-4 record in his first season.
RETURNING TALENT
The Pirates return just two starters on each side of the ball. On offense, senior quarterback Hayden Meyer is back, along with senior offensive lineman Enrique Sanchez.
Meyer, who became the starter later in the season, operated out of an offensive that ran the ball the vast majority of the time (expect more of a balance in 2024), and only threw the ball 30 times, completing 14. However, the completions went for an average of more than 20 yards as he finished with 287 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.
On the ground, Meyer rushed 74 times for 250 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Allison said concerning the 2024 offense and defense, they will operate out of a “Spread offense that will utilize a tight end, and a flexible defense that will be able to play three-down and four-down fronts — systems that are fun, simple and allow the kids to play fast.”
Returning as starters on defense are junior linebacker Chase Cantrell and senior cornerback Eli Sisco. Cantrell was honorable mention all-district last season after registering 65 tackles (43 solo), two sacks and four tackles for loss.
Allison noted several key newcomers who could contribute to success this season, including defensive players Brysen Hager, sophomore, and senior Tahj Clayton at safety, and junior Cooper Sandness at defensive end. Key newcomers to the offense include juniors Jonathan McCandless at wide receiver and tight end Macully Skeens.
DISTRICT
The Pirates will compete in arguably the toughest league in the state in their classification. District 3-5A Division I includes two-time defending state champion — and state-record 12-time overall — Aledo (16-0 in 2023), along with fellow perennial power Denton Ryan (8-3, second round) and Richland (12-1, third round).
Aledo is preseason ranked No. 1 in the state, Ryan is second and Richland seventh.
Also in the league are Denton (4-7, bidistrict), Birdville (4-6), Brewer (3-7), Azle (3-7) and Keller Fossil Ridge (3-7), which is dropping down from Class 6A.
“This is a very competitive district, and that is what makes it exciting,” Allison said. “It is one where you are going to have to be ready to play every single week and be at your best.
“Kids are working hard and focused on getting better every day.”
