Season Preview: Galena Pirates

The Galena Pirates are arguably the most distinguished team in the NUIC over the past 35 years. The Pirates have seen unprecedented times recently having 4 straight losing seasons, which is the longest stretch of losing seasons in Pirates modern era history. The biggest question is when will the Pirates get steered back into the right direction, or has this become the norm for a once proud program?

Entering the 2021 season, the Pirates return a lot of talent, and feature a highly touted group that will be juniors and seniors this season. The big lines of the Galena glory days are on its way as well, with a line averaging around 220-225 lbs. How much that size and talent have developed will determine if the Pirates can compete with the conference front runners. They have good skills players that can make the Pirate offense very explosive with a good mix of run and pass options. The Pirates will play 4 teams that made the playoffs a season ago, but they have a good shot of landing on the top end of the win column if they can become consistent.

The Pirates are 49-26 in the playoffs all-time, and their 49 playoff wins also is the top number for the most in conference history. The Pirates have 3 state titles and many long playoff runs, but their last big run came in 2014. Galena will enter the 2021 season on the road at EPC, with the game being played on Saturday night at Freeport High School.

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