Pine Tree Pirates Secure Historic Playoff Win, Advance to Third Round

The Pine Tree Pirates made history on March 15, 2024, by advancing to the third round of the playoffs for the first time ever. In a thrilling game at Driskell Stadium, the Pirates rallied from a significant deficit to defeat the previously unbeaten Houston Yates Lions, finishing the match with a score of 35-28.

The Pirates, now holding an 8-4 record, will face Ford Bend Crawford in the upcoming round. Details about the matchup are expected to be announced soon. This victory marks a significant achievement for Pine Tree, which has reached the second round of the playoffs in previous years, specifically in 1950, 1963, 1976, 2020, and 2024.

The game began with a challenging start for the Pirates, who found themselves trailing 21-0 early in the first quarter. Yates quarterback Chris Brown opened the scoring with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Edward Shinall at the 9:49 mark. Just two minutes later, Brown extended the lead with a touchdown run. A fumble by the Pirates late in the first quarter was capitalized on by Brown, who scored again on a 2-yard run, putting Yates firmly in control.

Despite the rough beginning, Pine Tree rallied. Early in the second quarter, quarterback Colton Croft connected with Bosston Johnson for a 6-yard touchdown pass, giving the Pirates a spark. With less than a minute left in the first half, Johnson’s recovery of a Yates fumble led to another touchdown pass from Croft, this time to Ashton Valentin, narrowing the gap to 21-14 at halftime.

The momentum shifted dramatically in the second half. Johnson returned a punt for a touchdown, tying the game at 21-21. However, the Lions quickly responded with a 3-yard touchdown run by Michael Johnson, regaining the lead.

The Pirates refused to back down. A stunning 37-yard touchdown pass from Croft to Johnson once again leveled the score at 28-28 with just over six minutes remaining in the third quarter. In the final moments of the game, Roger Attaway sealed the win with a decisive 5-yard run, completing the remarkable comeback.

This victory not only signifies a milestone for the Pine Tree Pirates but also exemplifies the resilience and determination of the team. As they prepare for the next challenge against Ford Bend Crawford, the excitement surrounding this historic playoff journey continues to grow.