Prep football series VII

Stevenson

There hasn't been much to get excited about since Stevenson won its first and only Mission Trail Athletic League title a decade ago.
Two years ago the program was forced to forfeit a game after injuries left the roster with 14 players. But there were signs last fall that the program could be on the mend.
The Pirates beat Pacific Grove for the first time in nine years. They dropped two games by three points or less. And they have an infusion of juniors that have been together for three years.
Two all-leaguers are back in defensive end Jack Burke and safety Jeffrey Goodman, who also was the Pirates' leading rusher last year.
The playoffs are not out of reach for Stevenson. What does cripple the Pirates is a late start each year. They will not have their full squad for at least another week.