The Marshfield Pirate Football team is coming off of an undefeated season where they became Oregon 4A Football State Champions. Their success was, in part, due to the fact that the football seniors of 2021 were extremely talented. They helped set the winning pace and mindset of the pirates for years to come. 

For this 2022-23 football season, there is massive doubt all around Oregon about the potential of this new pirate team. It is a rebuilding year and time to rebound after so many athletes graduated. Many different coaches around the league, scouts and even local community members have been doubting the pirates since last season.  Nevertheless, this year’s squad thinks they can make it to state again.

“We are similar in our high potential, but there is no team that compares to last year’s squad,” said senior captain Mitchell George. 

He started at outside linebacker for the championship team last year, where he placed seventh in the state in total tackles. George is a big believer in the idea that teams set their own potential with their work ethic and discipline on the season.  

“We all believe we can repeat, and I think we have the players and skill to do that,” said George.

The pirates are arguably in the most difficult league this year, with two other top ten playoff teams sharing it with them. 

“Making the playoffs as a high seed is going to be a big challenge for us this year,” says senior captain Toby Johnston. 

Luckily, the team has one of the most successful coaching staffs in Oregon 4A, led by the head coach John Lemmons. Since becoming head coach in 2016, Lemmons and his staff have guided the pirates to playoff births every single year to date. His leadership and experience helps keep the team mindset strong as the pirates strive to hang another golden banner.