Pearl River Football Prepares for Yonkers

The Pearl River football team last travelled to Gorton High School in Yonkers in its opening game in 2011, an .

The Pirates (0-1) will return to Gorton in search of their first victory of the 2012 season 1:30 p.m. Saturday against Yonkers (0-1) in a game that was moved from Tibbets Brook Park. 

Pearl River will be looking to rebound from a season-opening 28-13 loss to Rye. Pirates Head Coach Jeff Michael said he expects to see an improved level of play from his young team, which had new starters all but two positions last week. 

"Absolutely. They know they let one get away," Pearl River Head Coach Jeff Michael said. "It's a learning experience. It's a part of the learning curve with a young team."

Yorktown also opened its season with a loss, a 41-0 defeat by Lakeland. The Bulldogs were down 34-0 by halftime.

"We definitely have more numbers than they do," Michael said. "They run a very basic offense. It's a very scoutable offense. There are some tells we are going to be able to key on."

That Yonkers offense will face a Pearl River defense that gave up 291 total yards to Rye. The Pirates showed flashes of promise, including defensive stand inside their five and a big game by junior outside linebacker Kevin Considine, who contributed two sacks and forced a fumble that he recovered to set up a touchdown.  

Michael expressed his confidence in the Pirates' passing game despite a rough outing against Rye. That is something Pearl River may be able to exploit against Yonkers.

"Defensively, they are a physical team that likes to hit, but they can be over-aggressive," Michael said. "That will clear out some things for our passing game." 

Pearl River Sports This Weekend

Both Pearl River cross country teams will be in action this weekend. The boys will compete in the Suffern Invitational 8 a.m. Saturday at Bear Mountain. The girls will run in the Briarwood Invitational in Philadelphia.