Prep football preview: Butte County looks to build off of first state title

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second story in a series featuring key storylines for the upcoming high school football season.

ARCO – How good was Butte County’s season a year ago? If the town throws a parade in your honor, then it was probably a good season.

The Pirates won their first state championship last season in what was truly a memorable journey. Coach Sam Thorngren said he was still getting congratulatory calls two months after Butte County defeated three-time defending state champion Oakley 58-44 in a dramatic back-and-forth game.

“We lost some good guys,” Thorngren said as the team prepares for 2024. “But the expectations are the same.”

One of the “good guys” is 1AD1 state player of the year Brody Westergard, who was a do-everything player for the Pirates.

Westergard and a handful of seniors have graduated, but Thorngren said there are a slew of younger players ready to step in. Even so, the main storyline could develop on the offensive and defensive lines.

Most linemen in the 8-man ranks play both ways, so having steady and experienced players in the trenches is crucial. The Pirates have just one returner who saw plenty of time.

“We got talent, just not a lot of experience,” Thorngren said.

There’s also a different vibe to the program entering the new season.

“We’re excited to get to started,” Thorngren said. “It’s probably been the longest offseason ever as far as we’re concerned. It’s such a different feeling. We’re used to the heartbreak setting in (after losing in the playoffs) and then getting remotivated. We didn’t have that last year … They’re motivated.”