After a 42-28 state semi-final win, Pirate football is headed to Division 1 state for the first time in school history. The undefeated Pirates will face the undefeated defending state champion Muskego. The championship matchup between the Pirates and the Warriors will be held at Camp Randall Stadium at 4 p.m. on Nov. 22, in Madison. 

“It’s the same as every other week,” senior quarterback Andrew Thomas said. “We’ve analyzed some film and figured out what’s going to work best, what’s going to score some points.”

Muskego defeated Madison Memorial 49-13 in their semi-final matchup last Friday.  Muskego has a run-heavy offense and a defense led by junior safety Hunter Wohler who has offers from eight schools including Wisconsin. 

The Pirates more well rounded offense is led by Wisconsin offensive player of the year, senior running back Isaiah Gash and senior wide receiver Sam Plumb who is averaging a touchdown every other reception with 22 catches for 11 touchdowns and 592 yards. 

“I think the obvious player who has stepped up this season is Sam Plumb,” Andrew said. “Not only on the field but during practice too, he’s been such a great leader and role model.”

On the defensive side of the ball the Pirates are led by Naval Academy commit and division one heavyweight state champion Max Meeuwsen. Max was named to the WFCA all state team. 

After his win last year at state for wrestling, Max said that he tends not to get nervous anymore; he just focuses on what he has to get done on the field. 

Andrew started all three playoff games in the 2018 season after the then senior quarterback Jake Plummer went out with an injury about halfway through the season. Andrew hopes to continue to use that experience to his advantage in the state game. 

“Last year I got sprung into a position that I didn’t think I was going to be in,” Andrew said. “This year is a little different with that experience under my belt; I’m mentally prepared.”

The Pirates are trying to keep their game plan simple and are hoping that what they’ve done all year is going to work in the championship game. They are there to win the gold ball not just the silver. 

“Some teams are just happy to be there,” said Andrew. “We’re not done yet, we’re looking to win it all.”