Pattonville Football Pirates Kick Off Season On The Road Saturday

The Matchup: Hazelwood East vs. at Hazelwood East  

Date: Saturday, Aug. 27

Time: 1 p.m.  

Records: It's the season-opener for both squads.  

The Skinny: The Pirates will be the home team but will play all their home games on the road this season due to the construction of their athletic complex. Pattonville will be looking for its second straight win in the series, but they'll have to do so with a completely revamped lineup.  

Last Year: The Pirates opened the season and Suburban North Conference slate with a 24-6 victory over the Spartans at East. Quarterback Michael Blaesing threw for 269 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Pirates (7-4, 5-2) to the victory. Martez Mason rushed for 83 yards and caught five balls for 48 yards and a touchdown; Kevon Johnson caught seven passes for 98 yards and a score; Doin Scott caught eight passes for 94 yards and one touchdown. The Pattonville defense forced three turnovers (all interceptions).  

Players To Watch For Pattonville, senior defensive lineman Jeremiah Williams, who led the Pirates with 75 solo tackles and 131 total, is only one of six returning letterwinners for a Pattonville team that has overhauled its roster.

Players To Watch For For Hazelwood East: Senior quarterback Trey Hill threw for 1,970 yards with 22 touchdowns and 15 interceptions a season ago. Hill also rushed for 238 yards and scored three times.  

Coaches: Pattonville is guided by Steve Smith, who is beginning his third season (9-12 overall record); Hazelwood East is coached by Brian Simmons, who begins his second season after going 6-6 a year ago.