Summary of last season:
It was an up and down year for the Pirates in 2016 that saw one game cancelled due to Tropical Storm Hermine. After a close opening loss to the Vidalia Indians, Appling County went on a tear winning four games in a row against Dodge, Wayne, Statesboro and Long. It looked as if the Pirates were going to be playoff bound, but then, disaster struck and the Pirates lost four straight Region 2-AAA games and fell out of playoff contention. That is when the decision was made to make a change to the head coaching position. Twelve year coach J.T. Pollock departed and Jon Lindsey was hired from East Paulding High School.
The New Coach:
“I’m excited about taking over the football program at Appling County,” said new Pirates’ head man Coach Jon Lindsey.
He comes from East Paulding High School, where he spent the last two seasons going 12-9 with the Raiders. Prior to East Paulding, Lindsey spent a year at Cook County and three years at Irwin County. In his six years as a head coach, Lindsey has made the playoffs four of those seasons. He took Irwin to the semifinals of Single A in 2013 and took Cook to the second round of the state playoffs in 2014.
Outlook for this season?
The Pirates are hoping to make a big turnaround from last season. It starts with a new logo, new black helmets and a new attitude. Quarterback Keelan Crosby has graduated and the Pirates will be looking to fill his cleats and try new formations.
“Installing new systems and playing a very tough non-region schedule will be a challenge,” said Lindsey. “Players are excited about the changes and hopefully we will gain momentum each week.”
Nine starters return from last year’s squad. “I’ll know more about our team soon. Our strength and conditioning program has made huge strides since March 1,” he said.
Big games this year:
“Honestly, all of them,” Lindsey said. The Pirates will face six teams with new head coaches this year. They start by hosting the Vidalia Indians and then take road trips to Charlton and Dodge. Wayne County comes to Baxley next, then it’s Statesboro before Region 2-AAA play starts against Long, Liberty, Brantley, Pierce and Tattnall.
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Pirates Have New Coach, New Outlook
