Pirates go for 3rd straight Regional title

Noah Molenda, Staff Writer

 

The undefeated Merrillville Pirates take on the 6-5 Penn Kingsmen this Friday for the IHSAA Regional Title. 

The Pirates have dominated every team in their way this season, winning every game by an average of 29 points, and averaging 43 points per game.

Playoff football is a very different atmosphere, including how the Pirates have spent their time preparing for this game. 

“Entering our 12th game, the week of practice is much less physical and much more mental,” Head Coach Brad Seiss said. “Penn is a new opponent that we haven’t played since 2018.  Preserving bodies and being mentally prepared for our opponent is top priority.”

Last year, the Pirates season came to an end at IHSAA Semi-State after a tough battle against the Westfield Shamrocks. This season they’re preparing to take on a strong football program, and continue their streak and advance to Semi-State again.

“We have a chance to win our 3rd straight regional and also have the opportunity to beat a program in Penn that has been the standard of Northern Indiana football,” Seiss said. “The energy has been great.”