It wasn’t what they hoped for.
Meeting McDonnell on Saturday, November 15 in Wisconsin Rapids, the Gilman Pirates closed their season as runner-up for the state championship, the final game score 22-0 in McDonell’s favor. McDonell won the coin toss at the start of the game and started off in defensive posture, the Pirate’s Anthony Syryczuk carrying the ball for a first and 10 at the 15 yard line. Working upfield, the ball was turned over to McDonnell on out of bounds , McDonell then working to obtain and keep the lead. The game took a turn at halftime as number 23 Kolby Keepers was removed by ambulance with a dislocated hip. A McDonell player was also removed by ambulance later in the game. A concerted effort by the Pirates defense was unable to stop overall game momentum, the final score ending 22-0 Macks.
Pirates Head Coach Robin Rosemeyer shared thoughts on the game and season as a whole.
“Proud of our kids' effort this year,” he said. “They were all great teammates. Our six seniors displayed outstanding leadership all year and they will be missed. Being a conference champion and bringing home a second place silver ball is a wonderful accomplishment. I thought the team played to their potential all year.
“McDonell was better than we were Saturday. They schemed well and had their kids prepared to defend us. We had some opportunities and didn't execute when we needed to be at our best.”
The Pirates entered Saturday’s game undefeated and first in conference with a 12-0 record. Top team leaders for the Pirates going into Saturday’s game included Anthony Syryczuk with 878 rushing yards, Kolby Keepers with 536, and Lucas Halida with 527.
Logan Halida led the team with 629 passing yards, followed by Beau Pocket with 35. Sawyer Winger led the team in receiving yards with 198, followed by Anthony Syryczuk with 176 and Cooper Krug with 152.
James Wojcik led the team in kicking with a 38 average, Anthony Syryczuk made two touchdowns on kick returns while Alex Copenhaver logged a 27 yard field goal.
Henry Syryczuk led the Pirates this season with 87 total tackles, followed by Keepers with 81 and Anthony Syryczuk with 56. Krug led the team with three interceptions.
Finally, Anthony Syryczuk led the team with 15 touchdowns, followed with 14 by Logan Halida, 12 for Lucas Halida, and 11 for Keepers.
The Pirates’ football season now over for the present, Rosemeyer shared his thoughts on the future.
“Looking forward to next year, “he said. “We return a lot of quality players who saw varsity action this year and some kids who didn't see much action that are very capable and will fill valuable roles.”