Pirates QBs pushing each other

Greenland endured a rough stretch of playing three undefeated teams in three weeks, but has come out the other side and has its eyes on the postseason.

But first, the Pirates (5-4, 3-3 3A-1) will look to finish off the regular season in style against rival West Fork (1-8, 1-5) on Friday. If Greenland takes care of business, it will likely finish in a three-way tie for third in the league and get the No. 4 seed and possibly play at Harding Academy next week. Pirates coach Lee Larkan the record could have easily been better. “We had the ball last in two of those games against Mansfield and Lamar with a chance to win,” Larkan said. “The last couple weeks we’ve just taken care of business.”

Senior quarterback Levi Vaughn has been a big part of Greenland’s success. He’s thrown for 1,376 yards and 12 touchdowns with only four interceptions. Vaughn has also rushed for 436 yards and seven more scores.

Vaughn’s running ability has helped to extend plays with good results, Larkan said.

“We think he’s the best quarterback in our league and there are some other good quarterbacks,” Larkan said. “He’s not a very big kid, but he’s a really good runner. When you go to tackle him, you’d better be ready because he runs with a linebacker’s mentality.”

Larkan said sophomore quarterback Gabe Wilson has also helped to push Vaughn in practice each day. Wilson has played in all nine games and thrown for 174 yards and three touchdowns.

“They have a great relationship,” Larkan said. “But Levi knows he’s got that sophomore nipping at him. He knows he has to work hard every day.”