When LeSean McCoy speaks, people listen.
Just months after stunning the football world by restructuring his lucrative contract because he “didnt live up to expectations”, the star of the Pirate backfield was at his best when his team needed him the most, leading Marshfield to a 198.94-131.87 victory in the 2014 Scuffle Championship Game over the heavily favored Batavia Colliders.
“I get stronger as the game goes on,” McCoy had said in the days leading up to the game, and he did not disappoint. McCoy scored 15 of his 23.10 points in the 4th quarter. The Pirate offense seemed to respond in kind, scoring more and more each game as the playoffs wore on. Their 198.94 total in the Championship is the 8th highest of all time. Its no surprise he was named the games MVP.
“I want to thank my teammates for believing in me, despite last year. I told the world I was ready to put this team on my back and carry them and I think I’ve proved that this season.”
Coach Jason Enright agrees. “He’s a special player. Its not just about the stats. He’s got the intangibles and leadership qualities than any coach would want. We’re lucky to have him back next season.”
As a team, the Pirates had 3 players above 23 points, and 9 of the 17 players scored in double figures. WR Eric Decker led the way on offense with a game high 25.55 points, leading the Pirates to a big early lead that they never relinquished.
“This team is just filled with weapons,” LB and team Co-Captain Luke Kuechly said. “The defense is no longer the weakness of the team and an afterthought.” Kuechly, an offseason acquisition, is a big reason for the change. He led the defensive effort in stopping the record setting offense of Batavia, recording a SCUFFLE Championship game record 24 tackles. “Nothing surprises me with this team anymore,” he said.
Except, perhaps, the QB situation. The biggest surprise of the game was coach Enright’s decision to start Phillip Rivers over the undisputed leader and face of the franchise, Tom Brady, leading to speculation about Brady’s future with the franchise.
“It was a gut feeling, and its following my gut that got us to where we are today,” Enright said. “The weather for the game was sunny and Rivers plays at his best in the sunshine. Brady was prepared to step in if needed.”
The point ended up being moot as the Pirates pulled out to an early lead and never looked back. But the quarterback position had been the topic of major controversy all season, leading to the acquisition of Rivers just weeks ago. “I understand completely,” Brady was quoted as saying. “I’ve been with coach since the beginning and he has my full support in any decision. I stayed to win a championship and we did that.”
Batavia tried to make a game of it near the end with an impressive drive late in the 4th quarter, but Pirate S Kam Chancellor sealed the victory with an interception in the end zone.
© 2014, Jason Enright. All rights reserved.
Nice! Great article and congratulations on the win – very impressive.