Once again, Perry’s defense rose to the challenge of shutting down a prolific offense. So once again, the Pirates are heading to a regional final. In a Division IV Region 13 semifinal Nov. 14, Perry’s defense picked a great time to pitch its first shutout of the season, as the Pirates blanked visiting West Branch, 21-0. The Warriors came in averaging 39.5 points per game, with a spread offense run by dual-threat junior QB Grady Hirst. But the Pirates’ defensive line harassed Hirst all night, sacking him six times for 69 yards lost, and holding the West Branch rushing attack to minus-43 yards. Perry improved to 10-2 on the season with its eighth consecutive victory, and advanced to a regional...
