The defending champions are back and Platte County believes the story is far from over.
After a flawless 14-0 season that ended with the program’s fourth state football title last December, the Pirates enter 2025 with the biggest prize still in their sights. They’ve been here before — their first championship in 2000 sparked a three-year run of dominance — and they’re hoping history repeats itself.
This time, though, the road will be steeper. The Pirates carry a target on their backs, armed with a returning core of star talent but also tasked with replacing some irreplaceable leaders, particularly on defense.
“We have always had high expectations and this year is no different,” head coach Bill Utz said. “We will take each week separately, and prepare as we always have. The extra exposure is good practice for our student-athletes to perform with extra pressure.”
Platte County returns a core group that led the Pirates the past few seasons, but they have also graduated some key components, especially on the defensive side. The all-state first team trio of defensive lineman Kameron Doyle, linebacker Brock Fowler and defensive back Trevor Hay highlight the list of defensive athletes who graduated, allowing ample opportunities for others to contribute.
A Pirates team that averaged 48.9 points per game returns much of the offensive firepower that brought great success last year, including five all-state selections. All-state first team tight end Jack Utz, offensive lineman Quinn Lightle and star quarterback Rocco Marriott — the 2024 Class 5 Offensive Player of the Year — all return among a talented backfield and receiving core.
“Often this can be a challenge because of complacency,” Utz said of having so many three-year starters. “These players are not that way. They know they can improve, and work very hard to do so.”
Utz isn’t just focused on improving an already juggernaut offense and retooling his defense. He also wants his special teams to be firing on all cylinders, as he witnessed last season.
“The success of this team will be a direct correlation of the success of the offensive and defensive lines, the ability of the defense to make plays, and the often overlooked success of the special teams,” Utz said. “The success we had last year was because of amazing field position, extra possessions from the defense, and the offense finishing with points.”
The Pirates’ journey towards a second consecutive state championship begins on the road against William Chrisman on Aug. 29 before the home opener on Sept. 5 against Grain Valley. If Platte County makes it back to the Show-Me Bowl in December, fans will have a quick commute north to Spratt Memorial Stadium on the campus of Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph.