SHANE SHOEMAKER
Writer
After an open date to start the season, the South Pittsburg Pirates (0-1) opened their 2025 campaign last Friday night with a 10-0 home loss to the Silverdale Seahawks (1-1).
Silverdale struck first on a 38-yard touchdown pass in the opening quarter. The game remained within reach until late in the fourth, when the Seahawks sealed the win with a 33-yard field goal with just over six and a half minutes remaining.
South Pittsburg’s offense struggled to find rhythm, managing only nine first downs and 150 total yards. Seniors JaMychal Buckner and Zech Green carried much of the load, combining for 18 rushes and 103 yards.
Defensively, the Pirates gave themselves chances by forcing two interceptions, but Silverdale still finished with 260 total yards.
Shutouts are typically something South Pittsburg delivers, not endures. Friday marked the first time since Aug. 26, 2002, that the Pirates were held scoreless, taking a 41-0 road loss to Chattanooga Christian. It was their first home shutout since Oct. 1, 2004, when they fell 49-0 to Boyd Buchanan.
The defeat was also South Pittsburg’s second straight season-opening loss after falling to Oliver Springs 27-7 last year. The Pirates will look to rebound this Friday when they host Sequatchie County (2-0).
Photos by Adria Sherill