Emotions were high at the “Butch” Friday night.

 The Jaguars were celebrating their homecoming while the Vidor Pirates were remembering the loss of their teammate Matt Thomas.

 As the Pirates came onto the field before the game, the team stopped and kneeled on the 28-yard line in remembrance. As the team captians met at mid field for the coin toss, the Jaguars presented a banner reading “Matt Thomas, Heaven’s Hero.”

 The Pirate fans came in huge numbers filling a large percentage of their stands. It was clear that the community has rallied around their team and Thomas, who died last Saturday night.

 Vidor responded with a decisive 28-15 victory.

 The Pirates (7-1, 4-1) controlled the game all night, especially on defense. They held the Jags (2-6, 1-4) to 134 yards total offense, most of which came late in the fourth quarter. Montana Quirante had an interception and Zach Smith fell on a fumble to contribute to the outstanding defensive effort.

 The Pirate offense ate up a lot of clock with 53 rushes for 222 yards. Brentyn Clark lead the way picking up 88 yards. David Smallwood carried for 52 yards and a touchdown, while David Bollinger ran for 41. Montana Quirante took advantage of goaline situations carrying it in twice from one yard out and once from seven on his way to picking up three rushing touchdowns.

 The Jaguars won the toss and chose to receive. The Pirates sent only 10 players onto the field for the opening kickoff — one player short in honor of Thomas — and were called for delay of game which the Jaguars declined.

 The Pirates defense started the game strong forcing that Jags to a three and out on their first series and allowed one first down before forcing the punt the second time out.

 The Pirates started their second drive at their own 39 yard line with 5:05 left in the first quarter. They picked up five first downs on seven plays as they quickly marched down the field. Montana Quirante finished the drive off with a seven yard run on first and goal to put the Pirates on the board first. Bandon Clayton kicked the extra point making it 7-0.

 Next week the Pirates travel to the Reservation to face the Port Neches Indians as they continue their run for the playoffs.