Pirates Shut Out Cubs 21-0 in Ward Debut

The Charlestown Pirate Football team traveled to Madison Friday evening to begin their 2014 campaign; and try out their new coach in a game environment.  The Pirate defense played up to expectation; flying to the ball and executing open field tackles as if it were a season finale.  “Proud of the team, everyone did their job…..we saw some things we’re gonna work on; but overall it was a solid win”, commented Coach Ward after the game.  After a scoreless first half of defense versus defense; the Pirates found pay dirt when Sophomore RB Antonyo Gaddie broke free for a 24 yard touchdown.  The point after snap didn’t go as planned, however Sophomore Garrett Woods ran the ball in for a successful two point conversion; to make 8-0.  The Pirates (1-0) took a 15-0 lead to halftime after Senior Eli Daniel caught a Senior QB Tristan Chester pass for a 68 yard score.  The defenses squared off again in the third quarter, holding both teams scoreless.  Madison’s best drive of the night landed them on the Pirate 27 yard line after eleven plays and 48 yards; however when trying to connect in the enzone; a Cub pass was intercepted by Junior Tate Boley to stop the drive.  Midway through the fourth quarter, Senior Eli Daniel secured the Pirate victory when he broke free for a 43 yard touchdown to make the final 21-0.  The Pirates finished with 177 yards on 32 carries; 125 of which were courtesy of 21 carries by Sophomore Antonyo Gaddie.  Madison put another drive together late in the fourth, however Junior Christian Bates got the Pirates’ second interception of the night to end the Cub drive and secure the shut out for his team.  Charlestown finished the game with 282 total yards of offense, 82 more then Madison.  Eli Daniel was named the Coyle Chevy, Buick, GMC & Coyle Nissan Offensive Player of the Game while Sophomore Bradley Laffoon earned Defensive Player of the Game honors by Pirate Pride Sports.  The Pirates now look forward to their week two match up, next Saturday at 2:40 pm, versus #6 Brownstown, in Lucas Oil Stadium.