- April 5, 2025
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Matanzas lineman Aly Louis-Charles bursts out of the chutes at practice. Photo by Ray Boone
Matanzas coach Don Mathews instructs his team during drills. Photo by Ray Boone
The Pirates' Nate Irizarry pushes the sled at practice. Photo by Ray Boone
Matanzas' quarterback Demontre Neeley hands the ball off to Gage Winecoff during a drill. Photo by Ray Boone
A Matanzas player runs through the gauntlet at practice. Photo by Ray Boone
Matanzas' Ethan Dattilio drops back to pass during practice. Photo by Ray Boone
The Pirates' Victor Lugo attempts to dodge a defender. Photo by Ray Boone
The Pirates' Victor Lugo fights to stay on his feet while being tackled. Photo by Ray Boone
Matanzas' Don Mathews entered is second spring as the head coach of the Pirates' football program, and he believes the team is better off now than it was a year ago.
"We're still kind of young, still kind of green," he said, "but we're doing a lot better now."
After a full season under their belts, the players seem to be adjusted to the way Mathews likes to run his team. As a result, practices have been running more smoothly.
"We seem to have kids with better character, kids with better attitudes," he said. "So it's just making it a lot better."
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