Football End of Season Breakdown

Ashley Wenskoski, Senior

As the 2018 high school football season approaches it’s final week, the competition is doing anything but winding down. The Pirates currently stand in a strong position with a record of 7-2 and some big wins earlier this year, notably against Northwestern Lehigh (35-34 in overtime) and Palmerton (49-14). With the final game of the regular season approaching this Friday October 26th at rival Saucon Valley, the Pirates have found themselves in an interesting position regarding playoff positioning. With a win against Saucon and a number of other scenarios turning to the Pirates’ favor, there is still a slim chance that they could still qualify to compete in the District 11 Class 3A postseason. However, if things don’t break right in that aspect, the Pirates are guaranteed at least one more game which will be for the championship of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference. Excitingly, this looks like it would be a home game, providing fans in Kintnersville at least one more chance to see their Pirates play this season. However, all of this is still speculation, as the game against Saucon will determine the fate of the Pirates.

At Senior Night against Pen Argyl last Friday, the Pirates played a riveting game under Head Coach Kevin Ronalds and came out victorious with a win, prevailing 56-7. For seniors Brandon Akers, Ethan Brader, Liam Britt, Trey Gretzinger, Dylan Lippincott, Adam Marsh, Bryan McNally, Ethan Miller, Daniel Muth, Kyle Oechsle, Ben Scoggin, and R.J. Smith it was a special night full of festivities and celebration. This group of seniors is the winningest grade to have ever played for Palisades, with most of the group participating in last year’s undefeated regular season, District 11 Class 3A Championship, and state quarterfinal appearance against Conwell Egan in Philadelphia. It is bittersweet to see this group go for Palisades, as they carry not only a multitude of storybook wins but also amazing memories with them.

A select few players also capped their storybook high school football careers recently. Senior co-captain Ben Scoggin has been the leader of the offensive line over the past few years, and now most-likely figures to take his talents to the Division I level of college football. Senior running back Trey Gretzinger has been an offensive catalyst particularly in his junior and senior seasons, with over 3,200 career rushing yards. This recently broke a school record for most career rushing yards, previously set by his brother Christian Gretzinger. Gretzinger also has 46 total career touchdowns, an impressive number. Finally, senior and three-time co-captain quarterback Ethan Brader has been the driving force behind the offense ever since he began the duties of starting quarterback his sophomore year. Working with his father, offensive coordinator Tom Brader, he has compiled a school record-breaking number of passing touchdowns with 29, as well as a ridiculous amount of total player yards (passing and rushing) with 4,664 to date. It would be an understatement to say that these players will be missed at Palisades, and will leave a lasting legacy behind with them for decades to come.

It is crucial for the Pirates to travel well this Friday against their rival Saucon Valley in Hellertown, PA at 7 pm. Come out and support your football team as they battle for a postseason berth and as they say goodbye to a number of seniors!