[AtlPirateFan]

Of all the games in the first half of the season this is one that scares me the most. Southwestern gave the Pirates a scare last year and they seem to be much improved over last year. Their stat line against Somerset (obviously down) and score against North Hardin looks scary at first glance:

vs Somerset -
317 Rushing Yards (6 backs)
Doan - 107 yards, 2tds
Gover - 11 carries 81 yards 1 TD
Edwards - 9 carries 76 yards
QB Pruitt- 6-of-6 for 67 yards and rushed for another 33 yards. 2 total TD

Then you look at how they played Corbin and how poorly Somerset has played since that first game and the perception changes a bit. The Redhounds held Doan in check most of the night holding him to ~65 yards. Corbin used balance against the Warriors and only gained about 100 on the ground while they got another buck plus in the air. I think the Pirates Defense is top notch against the run this year and will hold Doan fairly easily. I also think the Pirates stable of bruising backs will have Southwestern looking for answers as the game goes on.

Close early then the Pirates pull away:

Belfry 31
Southwestern 20