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Petrolia goes with McWilliams
April 28, 2009Last year when its head football job became open, Petrolia hired from within.
The Pirates looked to Monahans' Chris McWilliams this time around in the hopes of turning around the football program.
I know nothing new that I didn't already put in today's story, nor did I get to talk to McWilliams. But I've heard really good things from multiple people.
And I hope the Pirates can turn things around. They weren't as bad as their 1-9 record, but they really haven't had much success since winning state in 2002.
A quick recap:
2003: Made the playoffs at 6-4, then got crushed by WIndthorst in bi-district. This is the last winning team and playoff team Petrolia has produced.
2004: 4-6, losing its last four (and getting killed by Saint Jo, Valley View and Muenster).
2005: 4-6 again. Robby Wood's first year ends with losses to Valley View and Muenster. Either win would have gotten them in (only two Class A teams made playoffs back then).
2006: They failed to close out Electra, dropping to 5-4 and needing to beat Archer City in the finale. It's not even close - Petrolia loses 49-6.
2007: 5-5 again. The Pirates lose their first three district games (to state champ Munday, state finalist Seymour and state quarterfinalist WIndthorst). Whipping Wildcats in finale is for pride only.
2008: 1-9. Pirates face share of blowouts and tough losses. They were leading state quarterfinalist Archer City at the half.
One last quick thing -- McWilliams, like predecessor Byron Gravitt, is a defensive guy, and I don't know who is/will continue to run the offense. The Pirates had the area's worst rushing per game average at 109 yards. That will have to change if they want to end the playoff drought.
Posted by at 12:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Comments
Per Collier-Sharp website Petrolia only has 5 playoff appearances - 1993, 2000-2003.
