After back to back 4 win seasons, the Ash Grove Pirates produced a 6 win campaign in 2011.  The 6 wins weren't enough to produce a playoff appearance, which is something the Pirates are shooting for in 2012.

HEAD COACH - Doug Martin

2011 RECORD - 6-4

RETURNING STARTERS - 6 offense, 6 defense

PLAYERS TO WATCH - Logan Allred (Jr. RB), Austin Hurst (Sr. RB), Kelton Morris (Jr. FB)

If the Ash Grove Pirates have a successful 2012, it will likely be because of the 3-headed monster in the backfield.  The Pirates return three runningbacks who combined for over 2,300 yards last season.  Junior Logan Allred led the way last season with over 1,100 yards rushing, senior Austin Hurst wasn't far behind with over 800, and junior Kelton Morris chipped in over 400 yards from his fullback position.  This trifecta is a perfect match for head coach Doug Martin's three runningback set.

A concern however, is who will be blocking for those runningbacks.  "Up front we lost three lineman from last year's team," said Martin.  "We're a smaller group this year."

As a whole, Ash Grove will be experiencing something of a youth movement in 2012 and Martin knows that with youth, comes inconsistency.  "We look good at times.  We're starting a freshman and three sophomores so we're going to make mistakes being that young."

Those youngsters will be asked to grow up fast, as the Pirates open the season on August 24th against Cabool.