By DAVID COOK
It’s fitting that the Pewamo-Westphalia football team has the color blue on its uniform. Because of its blue-collar attitude, the Pirates are annually among the premier teams in the state in Division 7.
This season is no different, as the Pirates opened the year with wins in three of their first four games.
“We have a very workmanlike approach this year,” said coach Jeremy Miller. “This team isn’t the most enthusiastic or outspoken we have had, but they get after it in their own way every day in practice.”
The Pirates are solid on both sides of the football, averaging over 36 points per game on offense and giving up nine points per game on defense. They opened the season with a big test, playing Madison, a Division 6 power that fell to Montrose in the regionals of last year’s playoffs. Madison outlasted P-W 18-6 for the win and are undefeated so far this season.
The loss, however, only strengthened the Pirates. “We have been progressing towards our goal of consistently executing on both sides of the ball,” Miller said. “After a tough loss week one, we have stressed the importance of every player doing their job. We want to play as close to perfect in all aspects of the game as we can.”
The Pirates have a number of solid leaders this year, led by quarterback/cornerback Trey Bauer, who is tough and smart. Senior fullback/linebacker Aaron Rademacher is a four-year starter with outstanding strength. Up front, center/defensive tackle Stanley Fink leads the line on both sides of the ball and is a strong player with good footwork. William Fandel is a wide receiver/defensive back who has excellent hands and who is a good route runner as well as being an outstanding downfield blocker.
Pewamo-Westphalia reached the regional title game in last year’s state playoffs and is primed for another deep playoff run. “Every year our goal is to win the CMAC title and make a run at the state title,” Miller said. “This team can reach both of those goals as long as they play together and keep working every day.”