By Nolan Ruth
X – @RealNolanRuth
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Despite having covered the Pirates for the last few years, and having explained myself several times, I still get asked why I consider Perrin a part of my Parker County coverage when the school is actually in Jack County. So for posterity, here is my annual explanation:
Perrin-Whitt is a consolidated school district from what once was two separate school districts in Perrin (Jack County) and Whitt (Parker County.) The consolidated school district holds reign over land in Jack, Palo Pinto and Parker County. A solid portion of that district lies in Parker County and the town of Whitt. So despite the school having an address in Jack County, I claim the Pirates as a Parker County school.
Despite higher expectations a year ago, Perrin-Whitt fell short of the playoffs yet again after dropping their last two games of the season to Knox City and Northside. One thing is certain going into the 2026 season; that scenario will not happen again. Simply explained, Knox City is now out of the district after dropping to Division II. Other than that, the district opponents remain the same for the Pirates.
Kevin Loyd enters his fourth year at the helm with a .500 record at 15-15. He has his work cut out for him to put a winning team on the field this season after losing two-thirds of a very solid and physical squad from a year ago to graduation. However, Loyd does have a good opportunity to get creative with what he has, especially with what he has coming back.
The unfortunate thing for the Pirates this year is that due to the graduation of the last class, there will likely not be as much depth compared to a year ago. Some stars will be playing every meaningful down for the majority of the season. Noah Morris returns for his senior year, and Loyd says that a lot will be put on his shoulders as the leader of the defense. Morris led the team in tackles last season with a total of 78. He will be complemented defensively by the squad’s second leading tackler, Julian Ramos.
Both Morris and Ramos will be expected to make a difference offensively as well after each scored six times as juniors. Ramos is expected to be a bigger ground threat, while Morris will be the main target for quarterback Riley Sims who is looking to make a big jump this year after throwing for 255 yards and 6 touchdowns and rushing for 181 yards and 2 touchdowns in 2025.
Loyd also pointed to sophomores Lucas Rose and Mark Nevarez to be key contributors this season.
Schedule & Analysis
vs Perrin Grace Christian
at Lingleville
at Azle Christian
vs Pinnacle Christian
at Forestburg
vs Gold-Burg
vs Campbell
vs Bryson
at Newcastle
at Vernon Northside
Floor: 3-7
There are three games that I simply cannot talk myself into the Pirates losing this season. Despite Lingleville and Forestburg returning more starters from last season, the two went a combined 1-18 last year. The other is Pinnacle Christian, which is an upstart program in Parker County that I have my eye on but is in the same position that Grace Christian was two years ago. Speaking of Grace Christian, that is a program that now has some experience under its belt, though still growing. Believe me, the Colts have that season opener circled, and the Pirates should not take that game lightly. Then another Parker County rival, Azle Christian is going to be a really tough match in which I tend to lean more towards the Crusaders. The final five games are the toughest on the schedule and the Pirates will likely be the underdogs in every single one of them. The district schedule especially, as all three opponents return the majority of last year’s squads.
Ceiling: 7-3
Plenty of things have to go right for this team to have a successful season, but it is not out of the question at all. I can talk myself into Perrin winning most of these games, but it will not be easy and they will all likely be close if the Pirates do pull them out. Unfortunately, I believe the playoffs may just be a bit too tall of a task. I simply cannot talk myself into Newcastle or Northside being upset with speed and finesse alone. Coach Loyd is going to have to get very creative to pull those out. Azle Christian is the other one I really just cannot talk myself into, as they may very well be amongst the best private school teams in the state. Realistically, the Pirates can beat Bryson again this year, though that alone will be a daunting task. Other than that, the non-district schedule is very winnable if Perrin plays its cards right.
Nolan’s Prediction: 5-5
I give the Pirates the edge over Grace Christian in the season opener solely because these players have played together much longer than anyone on the Colts. I will also give Perrin the benefit of the doubt against Gold-burg, who despite returning every starter from a playoff team a year ago, has the unfortunate situation of a completely new coaching staff (including former Grace Christian coach Austin Norman). However, the last four games of the year will be an absolute gauntlet. I think the Pirates will keep a couple of them close, but the lack of depth will end up hurting them against a quartet of playoff caliber teams.
