CRANDALL — Two teams unbeaten in district play meet tonight as the Crandall Pirates host the North Mesquite Stallions at Pirate Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9.
Crandall enters 2–3 overall and 2–0 in district competition, while North Mesquite brings a 3–2 overall record and an identical district mark. The winner will improve to 3–0 in district; the other team will absorb its first district loss.
The Pirates return from their Oct. 2 bye after two decisive victories that reversed an 0–3 start. Crandall defeated Sunset 50–0 on Sept. 17 and Bryan Adams 66–6 on Sept. 25, outscoring those opponents 116–6.
Tonight’s matchup presents an opportunity to extend that turnaround against another team that has opened district play with consecutive wins. A victory would also bring Crandall’s overall record to .500.
The ground game figures prominently in the matchup. MaxPreps’ published team statistics list North Mesquite at 315.6 rushing yards per game and Crandall at 228.2. Those posted averages suggest defending the run could be a central challenge for both teams.
Crandall running back Darrik Ward Jr. leads the Pirates’ posted rushing averages at 111.2 yards per game. Quarterback Carlton Lewis and receiver Hezekiah Jordan are also listed among the team’s offensive leaders.
North Mesquite’s featured contributors include running back Terrance Collins and quarterback Bryston Palacios.
The Pirates’ recent results show improvement on both sides of the ball, but tonight offers a different measure of their progress: a meeting with a district opponent carrying the same unbeaten league record.
Following tonight’s game, Crandall travels to Tyler on Oct. 16. The Pirates then host Mesquite on Oct. 23, visit West Mesquite on Oct. 30 and finish the regular season at home against W.T. White on Thursday, Nov. 5.
For fans attending tonight, Pirate Stadium is at 520 W. Lewis St. in Crandall. Crandall ISD uses cashless athletic ticketing, with tickets available through GoFan and gate purchases payable by debit or credit card.
The stadium requires clear bags. Elementary and middle school students must be accompanied by an adult, and spectators who leave must purchase another ticket to re-enter.
Free parking is available at the stadium and Crandall High School. The district lists free shuttle service between the high school and stadium beginning at 6 p.m.
