DAVID BARBER

Sports Correspondent

After a hard-earned victory on the road against Dallas Carter Aug. 30, the Van Vandals were hoping that their next opponent on the road would not present the same challenges but that all changed following the result of another game played that same night.

The Pine Tree Pirates got the attention of many East Texas football fans Aug. 30 when they went into Gilmer and stunned the defending Class 4A, Division 2, state champion Gilmer Buckeyes, 22-15.

That now sets up an early season showdown of 1-0 teams as the Vandals will invade Pirate Stadium in Longview for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff Friday, Sept. 6 against Pine Tree.

“Pine Tree did a really good job against Gilmer,” pointed out Vandal Head Football Coach Jared Moffatt. “I know a lot of people were surprised by that result. Remember, Pine Tree beat Texas High last year, one of the best Class 5A teams in East Texas, so this is nothing new for Pine Tree, playing good teams and beating a few of them along the way. We did beat Pine Tree the last two years, but both of those games were close. Beating Gilmer on the road was a big win for their program last Friday night.”

“I am real impressed with their quarterback,” emphasized Moffatt. “He is a three-year starter for them. He is a really good player. He made some crucial plays in the second half against Gilmer. He can run and pass well. Holding Gilmer to 15 points tells you right there that Pine Tree has a really good defense. They will be tough to beat in their stadium.”

According to Moffatt, the Pirates are a shotgun team offensively, but the QB will get under center and run some I-formation plays as well.

“They have a good running back and they are big up front,” pointed out Moffatt. “They have a couple of good receivers as well. They have good team speed. They are well coached offensively. They are going to present some problems. Defensively, they are real multiple in terms of their fronts. They are not afraid to blitz. They are mixing up their coverages in their secondary.”

Since the Vandals have faced Pine Tree several times in recent years, Moffatt said that you have a chance to build up some familiarity with an opponent.

“Their defensive coordinator and their head coach are the same as before,” pointed out the Vandal head coach. “It doesn’t mean that they don’t adapt or don’t change some things along the way. You have a sense of what they have done against you in the past. Of course, they have the same familiarity about us as well. It’s not like preparing for Dallas Carter, a team that you have never played before. Pine Tree has a senior linebacker that has been starting since he was a sophomore. We already know that he is a really good player. We don’t have to wonder about that.”

For the Vandals to come out of Pirate Stadium with a victory, several things have to go right for Van, according to Moffatt.

“We have to contain their quarterback,” emphasized Moffatt. “If we don’t, he is going to make plays. He is dangerous with the ball in his hands. Their offense runs through him. Offensively, we have to execute well against their multiple looks defensively. We can’t turn the ball over against them. Third down conversions will be big in this game. Our special teams were a huge contributing factor in our win over Dallas Carter and they will have to continue that type of play against Pine Tree. The kicker for Pine Tree can kickoff deep.”

After competing in Class 5A previously, Pine Tree is now a Class 4A, Division 1, school, one of the largest Class 4A schools in the state, according to Moffatt.

Pine Tree is projected to finish fourth in their new look District 9-4A, Division 1, with Chapel Hill predicted to place first in their district, according to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Magazine.

Other schools competing in District 9-4A, Division 1, include Kilgore, Lindale, Palestine, Henderson, and Mabank.

All of Van’s sub-varsity teams will be in action Thursday, Sept. 5 as the junior high teams will see their first action of the 2024 season.

The seventh grade is scrimmaging at 5 p.m. at Pine Tree with the eighth-grade games set for 6:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.

There will be two freshmen games at Van’s Memorial Stadium Sept. 5 starting at 4:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. prior to the junior varsity game kicking off at 6:30 p.m.

For results of the Van/Pine Tree varsity game and a preview of the Vandals’ home opener against Lindale on Friday, Sept. 13, check out www.vanzandtnews.com.

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