On November 5, 2021, the Avon Pirate Football team took on the Dell Rapids St. Mary Cardinals for the 3rd round playoff game. The Pirates, seeded number one, were hoping this game would be the final stepping stone on the road to the Dome. Unfortunately, time ticked away as the Pirates finished a yard short of the end zone, and the final score was 30 to 32 favoring the Cardinals.

Remarking on the season, Coach Tom Culver said, “We are all disappointed about the outcome of the game on Friday, but I am proud of how much the players accomplished this season.”

Culver added, “Going from 2-7 to 10-1 in one season is quite an accomplishment. I think our returning players can use that game as a motivator for next season and do what they need in the weight room during their preparation. The football team won the Great Plains Conference Championship this season, the first time since 2013.”

Overall, the Pirates had an impressive season, and the AHS student body is excited to see what future seasons have in store for them.