Photo by Sheila K. Haynes Pirates defensive back Andre Moseley #28 breaks up a pass intended for Raiders #3 Marcell Ateman.
By Shiela K. Haynes
The Pirates emerged victorious over the cross-town rival Wylie East 57-7. A good crowd showed up to support both programs.
It was still football with its “hit-em-hard, hit-em-often” mindset, but there was plenty of good sportsmanship shown by both sides. After the game, the Raiders honored the Pirates by standing behind them as their alma mater was played and the Pirates returned the favor when the Pride of the East band cranked up the Wylie East school song.
The game began with East’s Shon Johnson returning the opening kickoff 40 yards.
After trading punts, the Pirates scored their first touchdown on a 5-yard pass from Nico Ramirez to Jermaine Merdock seven minutes into the first quarter. The duo hooked up again for Wylie’s second score. Ramirez recorded three rushing touchdowns in the first half with runs of 20, 6 and 1 yard.
Pirates kicker Seth Hiddink added a field goal in each half, the first a 33 yarder midway through the second quarter and another midway through the third quarter for the Pirates final points.
Also in the second half, Paul Branish scored on a 4-yard run and Ramirez bounded in from 1 yard out. Wylie added two points for a safety.
Raiders quarterback Jesse Brubaker connected with Marcell Ateman to put East on the scoreboard early in the fourth quarter.
An interception in the end zone by the Pirates Tyler Rice ended another promising Raiders drive.
In other District 10-4A action, Highland Park clipped J.J. Pearce 35-28. McKinney North bounced McKinney 14-7 and Rockwall squeaked by Rockwall Heath 52-51.
The Scots remain undefeated at 4-0 in district play. The Bulldogs have surprised everyone with a 3-1 record. Wylie, Rockwall, McKinney and Pearce are all 2-2. Heath is 1-3 and Wylie East is 0-4. With three games to go, the playoff race remains wide open.
The Raiders host Rockwall Friday at Wylie Stadium and the Pirates take on Rockwall Heath at Wilkerson-Sanders Stadium.
