By Chris Parker
Branson football had a banner first season in the Ozark Mountain Conference running through the regular season undefeated before falling to Republic in the district title game to finish 10-1 overall.
“Last year was a great year for the Pirates,” Branson head coach Aaron Hafner said. “We saw a lot of improvement in all aspects of our football program. Winning the inaugural season of the Ozark Mountain Conference was a great accomplishment and propelled us into a district title contest vs. Republic.”
Experience returns for Branson this year starting with four of five offensive linemen and a full complement of running backs coming back.
“We have eight starters back on offense for the 2025 season. We have four out of the five offensive lineman back, which will be a strength for us. All three of our running backs are back for this season as well. Our starting quarterback, Vicente Pastrana, saw valuable playing time last year and should be a weapon for us. Haydon Wilson has improved and will be our top wide receiver,” Hafner said. “We should be very physical up front with good young depth. Our backfield will be an experienced group that will create explosive plays.”
The offensive line group includes seniors Ben Kirk, Andrew Alvarez, Juan Rivera and Luke Transeau. Kirk and Alvarez both earned all-conference honors.
Transeau is a four-year starter who will also play on the defensive line.
“He started Day 1 as a freshman,” Hafner said. “He is a great leader and a great young man. He is the head of our student council. He is one of those kids who fits everything you want them to be in our culture.”
Ryan Giles (senior), Hunter Reynolds (senior), Blake Weber (junior), Smith Quigg (senior) and Dakota Schaffer (junior) all will see time in the backfield.
Defense will have more new players stepping up with just four starters back on that side of the ball.
“We have four starters back on the defensive side of the ball. Our depth was really good last year for all positions, so we are excited about the players that will be stepping up as starters this year,” Hafner said. “We will have more two-way players this year compared to the past, but our players are ready to step up and get more snaps. Our players are stronger and faster which will allow us to create big plays on the defensive side of the ball.”
Reynolds (DB), Schaffer (LB), Jace Fuller (senior DB) and Wilson (DB) return in the second and third levels of the defense. Transeau, Kirk, Alvarez and Rivera all are listed as defensive linemen as well as offensive linemen.
Newcomers to watch include: Elijah Rillamas (junior LB/FB), Eli Renzi (junior DE), Brady Riutzel (senior DL), Brenon Maiwelmal (senior DB), Jay-Z Brown (junior LB), Evan Miller (senior OL), Sawyer Wilks (junior OL) and Brock Yonally (senior TE/LB).
Branson opens the season on Aug. 29 at Harrison (Ark.).
“We are excited about the 2025 season. We have a great group of young men back from a 10-1 season last year. Several of our players will need to step up on the defensive side of the ball and create turnovers and get stops in the red zone,” Hafner said. “Our players are strong and physical up front. We are a close-knit group that loves playing the game. We will need to control the line of scrimmage and stay healthy at our skilled positions. This should be an exciting season for the Branson Pirates.”
