Football Preview: Pioneer ready for a return trip to the playoffs
The Pioneer football team heads into the 2020 season with four positive characteristics: experience, athleticism, strength and chemistry. They are going to need all four, and then some, when they kick of the season tonight (Sept. 25) at Skyline.
It’s a rivalry game right off the bat and the Pioneers are going to be tested by an always hungry and competitive Skyline team.
“The FAMILY is ready to roll,” says Pioneer coach Bill Bellers, now in his fourth season leading the purple and white. “We continue to work on our communication, doing things the right way and learning.”
The FAMILY has a strong foundation to build from this season. Conor Easthope returns for his senior season. The talented quarterback can throw it and run with it, and he proved last year that he can lead the team down the field when they need six points.
Easthope is the real deal and one of the top quarterbacks in the state.
He’s not alone at the head of the table.
Other top and talented returning players include seniors Ali Fisher (WR), Hunter Daugherty (OL), Jakob Lorenc (OL), Jared Kinsherf (LB), Matthew Wadlington (CB) and Joe Daily (CB).
Top returning players include Brian Robinson (DL), Brendan Constant (DL), John Lamphere (WR) and Mark Hood (OL).
The Pioneers returned to the postseason last year, posting a 5-5 record to finish third in the SEC Red. Pioneer lost to Woodhaven 50-21 in the school’s first playoff game since 2015.
And the FAMILY wants another trip to the postseason in 2020.
