The Vashon Pirates football team opened the 2023-24 season in Vancouver against the Fort Vancouver Trappers on Sept. 2.

The last meeting between the teams saw Vashon get a 21-18 victory in their home opener last year.

Vashon went into this year’s game shorthanded with limited players available due to WIAA eligibility rules and fell 20-7.

Fort Vancouver led 6-0 after the first quarter. Pirate defense kept the Trapper offense in check most of the first half and trailed 13-0 at halftime.

Vashon found the end zone in the fourth quarter on a Chase Bradrick rushing touchdown and point after touchdown. Despite some injuries and a blistering 90-degree-plus temperature at game time, the team never quit and brought an intense energy throughout the entire game.

In the second game of the season, Vashon hosted a 1A non-conference opponent, the Sultan Turks, in the home opener.

Sultan (1-0) entered the contest with a 48-3 victory over 2A KingCo League’s Evergreen Wolverines.

Sultan scored twice in the first quarter to lead 12-0. The second quarter featured an interception by senior Max Escame in the endzone that ended a long Sultan drive.

Vashon spent much of the first half with its defense on the field bending but not breaking, and went into halftime down 20-0. Unfortunately, the second half saw much more of the same for both teams. A Sultan offense moved the ball efficiently, scoring 20 points. Vashon was unable to find any rhythm on the offensive side of the ball in the home opener. The senior-led Pirate team showed great leadership in a tough 40-0 loss at home.

Many thanks to all the Pirate friends and families who came out to cheer on the team. The stadium was filled with energy and support throughout the entire game. VHS (0-2) travels to Blaine (0-2) on Sept. 15, to take on the Borderites in the final non-conference game of the season. The conference season opens on Sept. 28, as Vashon visits the Klahowya Eagles.

Go Pirates!