Coach: Clay Eastly, sixth year
2011 record: 1-9, 7th in league.
Offense: Coordinator (set) – Clay Eastly (pistol). Returning starters – 8. Top players – QB Nick Amundsen 6-0, 155, jr.; RB Nick Betz 5-9, 185, sr.; WR Garrett Starr 6-3, 165, jr.
Defense: Coordinator (set) – Scott Betz (odd front). Returning starters – 9. Top players – DB Evan Anderson 6-0, 150, jr.; LB Nick Betz 5-9, 185, sr.; LB Peter Evans 5-10, 190, sr.; LB Garrett Starr 6-3, 165, jr.
Outlook: Two years ago, this was a playoff team. Now, the Pirates are building for another run. It likely won’t take place this season, but the bulk of their skill-position talent is underclassmen. That is not to say Betz won’t try his best to accelerate the process as the key senior and two-way standout at tailback (882 rushing yards) and linebacker (116 tackles).
Jennifer Chancellor, contributing writer
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