For Pioneer High School varsity football coach Jim Duprey, the timing of career win no. 100 could not be more sweet.
The Panthers notched a regular season-ending 49-0 victory Oct. 20 over Lewiston-Porter. It was the team's third straight win, and Pioneer finishes at 6-2.
Next week the playoffs begin with Pioneer hosting Albion, looking to avenge a Week 4, 22-16 Homecoming loss.
Duprey's 100th win came on a rare Thursday night start, which the Panthers dominated from the start. Dalton Giboo, Devin Matuszak and Kyle Stover all contributed offensively, while the defense added a safety to put the Lancers behind early. The game was on local broadcast TV, with Buffalo's Ch. 49 providing the live coverage.
ABOVE: Coach Jim Duprey awaits a post-game interview with Ch. 49.
Coach Duprey acknowledged he reached the milestone with the help of others. "I'm proud to have had the ability to coach so many great young men over 20-plus years. Our parents and school community are the best; they are the driving force behind our team's success over the years. Our parents have allowed me to have a small part in helping their children experience the successes, failures, and life-lessons that team sports provide.
"No amount of success happens alone. I'd like to thank all the assistant coaches that have helped our program over the years, and especially retired head coach Larry Slanovich, who gave me the opportunity to begin my career at Pioneer. Most of all, I'd like to thank my wife, Christy, and daughter, Allyse, for supporting me and forgiving me for the hours spent away from them," Coach Duprey added.