Media Day: Cyril Pirates

The Pirates have opened up their offense and will try to implement throwing the ball more this season.

Thursday, July 28th 2011, 5:43 pm

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Aug 25, 2010 11:34 AM CDT

Oklahoma Sports Staff

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Pirates’ plan of attack will be in their running game again this season.

The team, who went 2-8 last year, returns seven players on both sides of the ball.

“We’ve got a ton of experience,” Head Coach Steven Vetter said. “I think it’s going to help us out a lot.”

Vetter will let returning quarterback Ray Pierce put the ball in fullback Justin Kaulaity’s hands.

Kaulaity, a junior this year, rushed for 1,100, almost half of the 2,600 total yards rushed by the entire team. His brother, defensive end Josh Kaulaity, is a huge threat. The sophomore racked up 118 tackles and three sacks in his freshman year.

“With our offense, we look to pound the ball between the guards quite a bit,” Vetter said. “We’re working on opening our passing game a bit.”

Pierce couldn’t be happier.

“It sounds a lot better than just running every play,” Pierce said. “It’s more exciting for the fans to see.”

The team will need to focus on their possible weakness in defense, which gave up more than 45 points per game last year.

The defense has put in the hard work this summer and has improved a lot, according to linebacker Zac Bowman. Corner Back J.C. White, who his teammates call “Baxter,” in reference to the dog on Anchorman, is confident last year was a season for building and that the team is ready for a fresh start.

“We can beat any team in the state,” White said.