Galena Pirates
The Galena Pirates first made the playoffs in 1980, but by 1985 they quickly became a power. In 31 seasons they had only missed the playoffs 4 times, and never in back to back seasons. Over the course of the past 2 seasons that mystique of Galena football power has quickly diminished, culminating in an ugly 2015 playoff loss at the hands of the Stockton Blackhawks. Last season saw the Pirates put up their worst season in school history, going 0-9.
Looking forward, the Pirates had a very decent fresh/soph team last year, and though we don't put a lot of stock in fresh/soph to varsity, if the Pirates can turn the ship around and get the boys believing in Pirate football once again, this could be a turning point year for Galena. The expectations are not high in Galena for 2018, but if they can build up their underclassmen the 2018 season could see the Pirates back in the thick of the playoff race in the Northwest division.
The Pirates are 49-26 in the playoffs all-time, and are tied with Dakota, Le-Win, and Aquin for most state titles in NUIC history at 3. They are looking for their 30th trip to the playoffs entering the 2018 season. The Pirates 49 playoff wins also leads all NUIC teams for the most in conference history. From 1995-2000, the Pirates enjoyed the longest conference winning streak, that still stands to this day. They went 71-7 during this time, winning a state title in 1997 and a state runner-up in 1999.
Galena Playoff History
1980 0-1
1985 2-1
1986 1-1
1987 1-1
1988 2-1
1989 2-1
1990 1-1
1991 0-1
1992 1-1
1994 1-1
1995 2-1
1996 3-1
1997 5-0 Class 1A State Champion
1998 2-1
1999 4-1 Class 1A State Runner-Up
2000 3-1
2001 0-1
2002 1-1
2003 5-0 Class 1A State Champion
2005 0-1
2006 1-1
2007 5-0 Class 1A State Champion
2008 2-1
2009 1-1
2010 0-1
2012 1-1
2013 1-1
2014 3-1
2015 0-1