A lack of referees has caused distress across the district and football teams are now being forced to have one Thursday game a season. This has caused mixed opinions not just in the public, but also between teammates and coaches. 

Thursday games affect the Pirates practice schedule as well.

“Because JV games already take away from Monday and some of Tuesday,” Head Coach Dan McMullen said, “so we really only have Wednesday to prepare because of our small numbers.”

Players also have not enjoyed playing on Thursdays because coming to school the next day is often a challenge.

“I just don‘t want to be here, and it just sucks overall,” Ezequiel Lopez said.

While the mental battles are challenging, the physical health of the players is always a concern. The Pirates have adapted to make health a priority. 

“We have to make sure to take care of injuries and make sure you don’t overdo it, because you have to let your body rest,” Coach McMullen said.

Luckily SCHS has begun offering a semester long class to get students interested in becoming referees. Taking this class can help students earn a certificate to referee MSHAA sports including football. 

“Currently I have about 20 students enrolled in the class,” Coach Abby Schultehenrich said, “but there is only one student getting certified for football.”

One clash of opinions between players and coaches is if there was an option to play on Saturdays, would they prefer that option? 

“Yes, I really liked our Saturday game last year,” Lopez said as he is used to his little league days of playing on Saturdays.

But coaches disagree.

“No, because there is the ability to go out on Friday to make poor choices,” Coach McMullen said.