CUMBERLAND, Ill. (WCIA) — The Cumberland Pirates made history in 2024, winning just their fifth playoff game in program history with a 28-6 victory over Tuscola.

19 seniors are back for the Pirates after going 8-3 last season.

Tight end Zack Harmon and quarterback Hudson McElravy have nearly a decade of experience together on the field.

Harmon gives his QB a huge target to throw to. The 6’8″ 240lb Harmon is 40lbs heavier than last season.

This dynamic duo hopes their connection helps the Pirates get back to the postseason.

“We’ve been playing football since fourth grade, so nine years now, and our connection is just deeper,” Harmon said. “We see each other in the hallways and just talk always, we could just look at each other and kind of know what we’re going to run.” “If we need to change something, we can just kind of give each other the look.”

“It’s really nice because there’s a lot of places you put that ball and nobody else will touch it, but he will always come down with it,” McElravy said. “That’s one thing that surprises me so much is his hands, he’s just gotten so much better.” “One of the best blockers on the team, even in the run game, which makes him so deadly because, you know, you have to get ready for that run and then boom, he’s out there, you know, already ten yards down the field, on a corner route.”

Cumberland opens the season at Villa Grove on August 29 at 7:00 p.m.