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I'm finding it difficult finding another win for the Pirate football team this season. They travel to Thief River Falls Friday and Detroit Lakes next week before the postseason starts where they will be on the road.
Everyone knows the struggles Crookston has had against Thief River Falls in the recent years. It's safe to say, the Prowlers have owned the Pirates. Last season's thrilling section playoff game at Memorial Stadium is the closest the Pirates have come to beating the Prowlers in recent history but that win only boosted Thief River Falls' confidence even more. The Prowlers believe they can beat the Pirates and that's why they currently have Crookston's number.
Detroit Lakes is currently 5-1 on the season with its only loss an 8-7 defeat to Pequot Lakes. The Lakers are outscoring opponents by an average of 28.2-13.7. And when I say opponents I mean quality opponents. They face another quality opponent this Friday in Perham, who has wins against Park Rapids, Thief River Falls and the Pirates.
The 14-3 loss to East Grand Forks in the second week of the season hurts more and more each week. I think if the Pirates had won that game they would have had the confidence they needed to beat some of the other teams they've lost to. But, instead, they are sitting at 1-5 with two very difficult games to end the regular season.
Do I think Crookston should throw in the proverbial towel and not play the remaining games of the season? Only if the Pirates don't believe they can win. If they think they are going to lose there is no reason for the upcoming games to be played. The players have to go out against teams like Thief River Falls and Detroit Lakes and know they can beat them. I know Crookston has the athletes to beat those kinds of teams but the players have to know it and play all four quarters like they know it.
I'm rooting for the Pirates to get more wins. A loss Friday to Thief River Falls isn't the end of the season. If Crookston gives a good effort and is competitive there is no reason it can't beat Detroit Lakes and make a run in the playoffs. It all starts Friday in Thief River Falls, though.
Derek Martin was born in Crookston, graduated from Crookston High School in 2003 and attended Gustavus Adolphus College before joining the Times. He now lives in Crookston with his wife and children.
