This year’s team is one of the most enthusiastic groups of athletes trained up in a long time.
Patricia Smith
Gadsden County News Service
Alright Pirate fans, it’s officially a new season, are you ready for some football?
The Pirates started their 2025 season with a team picture day and the first official scrimmage game. The Liberty County Bulldogs, Bozeman Buck’s, Bay High Tornadoes, and of course the town of Sneads very own Pirates!
Cheering from the Pirates Varsity locker room could be heard as the team proudly motivated each other in preparation to hit the field running with winning attitudes. It was a sign to all who heard that this year’s team is ready to prove they are dedicated athletes willing to face any challenge of adversity thrown in their direction.
The August 8th scrimmage game started promptly at 6:30 CT. Liberty vs. Bozeman on one end of the field and Sneads vs. Bay High on the other. There were so many referees on the field it looked like they were having a convention! The scrimmage was a great experience for all the teams who participated and an opportunity to learn what things they will need to work on at practice.
Last Friday, August 15th, was quite an exciting evening as the Pirates took on the Marianna Bulldogs at the shipyard. The Pirates were announced, and they quickly ran out under a shower of fireworks that lit up the sky and hyped up the team and their fans.
There was a great turnout of fans. They filled the bleachers on each side of the field while chowing down on a variety of snacks including one of the community’s favorites, boiled peanuts served up by Deez Nuts! They even had Dill Pickle and Cajun flavors available.
The game was delayed by 30 minutes due to rain and the 1st quarter started out slowly as both teams were getting acclimated to the water soaked and muddy grass sloshing beneath their feet. The bulldogs claimed the first 7 points on the scoreboard, but it didn’t take long for the Pirates to clap back and add 7 points of their own to the scoreboard for all to see that they desired to conquer their opponents. The 2nd half proved to be a bit brutal with penalties including an unsportsmanlike conduct call. By the time the 3rd quarter rolled around the Pirates were tied 7-7 and maintained the lead all the way to the end with a final score of 14-7. After the game and handshakes were over, Head Coach Bill Thomas’ speech was cut a little short when the team got caught up in the moment and lifted their helmets in joy while victoriously singing Sweet Caroline. It was truly a moment to remember!
The Pirates will be headed to Cottondale this week and Seminole County next week for two scheduled games and then preparing to host a home game against Graceville on September 5th.
Community support is very important to the Sneads Pirates Football Team and this year they are very much in need of people willing to sponsor their meals for the games. If interested in donating toward the needs of the team, please contact the High school to make arrangements.
