Pirates show potential

Poteau closed out its spring football practice with the Red-White scrimmage Saturday morning at Costner Stadium.

The 2011 version of the Pirates strutted their stuff as the two teams were divided fairly even among the squad, giving all the players an opportunity to strut their stuff for the final time before summer break.

Kendrick Hardaway tries to catch a long pass in the Red-White scrimmage.

After missing the playoffs last year, Poteau is looking to return to post-season play in the 2011 season and unlike last year, the Pirates will get three of their first four games at home.

The Pirates showed plenty of promise in the skill positions in the Red-White scrimmage with quarterbacks Wilson Klutts and Jace Pitchford leading the two teams.

Klutts started at quarterback last year before moving to receiver after suffering a knee injury. He was impressive in the scrimmage, especially running the ball.

Pitchford, who will be a sophomore next season, had several impressive throws for the Red team, although the white defense did apply good pressure.

Nick Donathan, who filled it at quarterback last year, is back at running break and broke away for a long touchdown run for the Red team while Michael Reynolds and Kaydon Evans also had some good runs for the White team.

Blake Roley, who hasn’t played the last couple of years while concentrating on basketball and baseball, is out for football and had a good catch and run from a pass from Pitchford.

Tyler Tustin also caught a long pass for the Red team while Jesse Woodson had a nice run on a reverse for the White squad.

The Pirates will have to fill some spots on both lines, but do have some talent and size looking for playing time. The major question is at inside linebacker as James Dighton and Connor Gilstrap both graduated after excellent seasons.

Again, there is some talent available, although those positions might be filled from younger players or players changing positions.

All these questions and more will be answered on Friday, Sept. 2 when the Pirates open at home against Checotah.