The results haven't been what Pirate fans originally hoped for, but Pleasant Hope's relatively young program is on the upswing.  Coming off a 2-8 season, the Pirates are looking for more in 2012.

HEAD COACH - Lance Gallimore, 2nd season

2011 RECORD - 2-8

RETURNING STARTERS - 8 offense, 8 defense

PLAYERS TO WATCH - Collin Sigrest (Sr. RB), Josh Evans (Sr. QB), Jacob Gettle (Jr. RB), Joe Shirk (Jr. OL), Cooper Pearson (Jr. OL)

Two and eight isn't a record to write home about, but for the Pirates it was a school record win total in 2011, including the programs first Mid Lakes Conference win.

"It's important for us to keep winning conference games and home games," said 2nd year head coach Lance Gallimore.  "It gives us something we can build on from last year."

Numbers are low at fall practice, but the Pirates do have a trio of talented skill players.  Josh Evans returns at quarterback after nearly a 1,000 yard passing season.  He's joined in the backfield by senior running back Collin Sigrest, who has started since he was a freshman, and has rushed for over 2,000 career yards.  The other running back is Jacob Gettle, who despite injuries in 2011, rushed for nearly 700 yards.

The main area of concern is on the line where the Pirates have no seniors.

"We don't have a lot of depth on the line.  We're just looking for guys that will get in the trenches and work hard."

There are no easy games in the Mid Lakes Conference.  The Pirates are hoping another year in the same system will lead to the next step this fall.

"We're really focused on our intensity level and finishing the task at hand.  We were in games last year with a chance to win it, but we got tired"

The Pirates open at Sherwood August 24th, then return home for the conference opener August 31st vs. Marionville.