High school football: Cyprus Pirates looking to compete for playoff spot

Note: Cyprus compiled a 2-8 overall record in 2009 and went 0-6 in Region 2. The Pirates did not qualify for the playoffs.

MAGNA — Becoming a playoff team seems like an impossible dream for a team that did not win a single region game last season.

Still, Cyprus is not about to settle for being the Region 2 doormat. Pirates coach Brian Jacketta figured the team would endure a rocky road while he installed a new offense and a new defense last season.

Now that the players are familiar with the schemes, however, Jacketta expects nothing less than the best from his team this fall.

"I expect us to compete to playoff spot," Jacketta said. "I think the kids believe they can. We need to stay healthy, because we're not very deep, and we need to get some breaks. But if it comes together, you'll see us playing in November."

If Cyprus can climb into the upper half of the region, the offense must find a way to put points on the board.

The Pirates lost their final six games a year ago, in part, because they could not finish out drives. In six region losses, Cyprus moved the ball well enough at times, but averaged a paltry 10.2 points per game.

It does help that the Pirates returning both starting quarterbacks — Jazz White and Jordan Wager — and have several experienced receivers to strengthen the passing game.

Wager and White each bring a different wrinkle to the offense. White's mobility makes him a dual threat quarterback, while Wager is more of a prototypical pocket passer.

The duo split time behind center last fall and Jacketta said he plans to utilize both quarterbacks liberally again this season because he believes it will make it harder to game plan against his team's offense.

"The play calling will be somewhat different with the two quarterbacks," Jacketta said. "But they both have strengths that we'll utilize. There will be a noticeable difference for the defenses."

Going with two quarterbacks equally seems like a recipe for creating a season-long quarterback controversy. But teammates feel like both seniors have embraced their respective roles within the offense.

"I don't think they're too worried about it because they both know they're going to get time," senior offensive linemen Trent White said.