New look Pirates are a team to watch

Text and photos by Steev Riccardo

2011 Record: 3-8
Key Returning Players: Tyler Barrie, Steven “Tiki” Barber, Alex Ton, Matt Faucher
Head Coach: Mike Adams

OXFORD – It was pretty impressive watching the Oxford-Sutton Pirates and their new head football coach Mike Adams take the field for practice last week; not only were they focused and orderly, but they had numbers, including 35 freshmen.

It’s no secret that the Pirates struggled last year after a good 2010 campaign that earned them a district playoff game, but with a new coach on board and a lot of young players, there is plenty of reason for optimism.

“Everything is going really good so far,” said Adams, “the kids are really picking up on what we expect on the new stuff that we are putting in. Everything overall is going pretty well.”

Although Adams has yet to name captains, which isn’t unusual since he is only a little over a week into the job, he has been able to see what players could play key roles.

Tyler Barrie is a key two-way player

Three players that Adams has singled out for showing great leadership are seniors Tyler Barrie, who had 16 receptions, 340 yards, and 4 touchdowns last year at receiver and was also a key secondary player on defense,  linebacker/tailback Steven “Tiki” Barber, and the rough and rugged Alex Ton, who will play guard on offense and linebacker on defense.

“Tyler Barrie will play a prominent role at receiver and at strong safety for us, Steve Barber is doing real well at tailback and linebacker, and Alex (Ton) has really shown us some grit, he is getting better every day.”

Steven "Tiki" Barber has looked good in practice

Alex Ton gives the Pirates "grit"

Adams also talked about his quarterback situation. “We have a pretty good battle at quarterback between Liam Pinkett and Matt Faucher, they are battling back and forth, both have their own strengths and both have their own weaknesses.”  

Faucher started the last few games for the Pirates at quarterback last year as freshman and, although inexperienced, looked good at times under former coach Jeff Parcells. Faucher is the younger brother of Senior Mike Faucher, who his teammates refer to as “psycho” for his tenacious play.

The players are adjusting well under their new coach. “Coach Adams has been really positive, we are all working together well to have a good season this year. The whole coaching staff is really behind us,” said Ton.

“It’s been really good,” said Barber. “It’s difficult as a senior changing our offense and defense, it’s a work in progress. Coach Adams is a really cool guy, he is very positive.” 

“I like him, he’s a nice guy,” said Barrie, who knows Adams is a fairly young coach and jokingly made light of the situation and said “he looks older cause he has that James Harden beard.”

The Pirates will open Saturday, September 8, at noon against defending super bowl champs the Bay Path Minutemen in Charlton.

Barber especially is looking forward to playing Bay Path in the opener. “I look forward to playing them, they like to talk a lot.  We feel pretty confident about our chances.”

The Pirates could be a surprise team and judging by the way they looked on the practice field, one to keep a close eye on.

Read more about Oxford-Sutton Pirates and high school football in the View from the Sidelines column published every week in the Patriot and contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with feedback and comments.