Butte County Pirates Set to Defend State Title in 2024
ARCO – The Butte County School District 111 football team, fresh off their historic first state championship win, is gearing up for the new season with high expectations. After triumphing over the three-time defending champions, Oakley, in a thrilling 58-44 contest last year, the Pirates celebrated their achievement with a town parade, underscoring the memorable journey of their championship run.
Head Coach Sam Thorngren acknowledged the challenges ahead as the team prepares for the 2024 season, saying, “We lost some good guys.” Among those lost is Brody Westergard, last season’s standout player and the 1AD1 state player of the year, who proved instrumental for the Pirates. Despite graduating several skilled seniors, Thorngren is optimistic about the future, noting a strong group of younger players eager to step up.
The focal point for the upcoming season will likely be the team’s offensive and defensive lines, where stability and experience are essential in 8-man football, as many linemen play both ways. With only one returning player with significant experience, Thorngren recognizes the need for growth in this critical area, stating, “We got talent, just not a lot of experience.”
The atmosphere in the program is notably different this year, with the players embracing the excitement of defending their title. Thorngren expressed the team’s eagerness, “It’s probably been the longest offseason ever… They’re motivated.” As the Pirates prepare to hit the field once more, the community is eager to see if they can make another remarkable run in 2024.
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