John Raffel
Sports Scene
Pewamo-Westphalia won’t be entering the postseason undefeated as it did the previous two years.
But the Pirates and coach Jeremy Miller like the momentum the team has as it gets ready for playoffs.
The defending Division 7 state champions lost their first game against Monroe Saint Mary Catholic 30-20.
“We have a small core group of seniors,” Miller said. “Overall I’m happy the way we progressed as the year went on.”
As always for the Pirates, who have not had a losing season since 1995, it was a year with some special highlights.
“We had a nice homecoming win over Laingsburg,” Miller said. “We played a solid football game against Fowler, our rival, and was able to clinch our (Central Michigan Athletic Conference) championship.”
A non-conference win to end the regular season over Hastings (42-12) was extremely impressive.
“We played a very tough schedule and were happy the way we came out and executed against Hastings,” Miller said.
The Pirates again have a huge edge in total point differential with 353 points scored and 58 allowed after nine games, although one was a 2-0 forfeit victory.
Quarterback Jimmy Lehman has had a strong season for P-W.
“He’s done a good job of commanding our offense.”
Also having a good year has been Bryce Thelen, a senior running back and wide receiver on both sides of the ball.
“Damon Schneider has been a good defensive end for us,” Miller said. “Those three guys have stood out. We’ve also got Isaiah Schafer on our offensive and defensive line.”
If his team keeps getting better, Miller likes the prospects.
“We have the potential to make a long run in the playoffs,” he said. “I like this team and how they’ve come together and they’ve gotten every week.”
Miller notes that tradition from the past few years has provided the program with confidence.
“Our kids are used to it and know what to expect,” Miller said.