LUMBERTON — As Adam Deese begins his first full season as head coach, the Lumberton High School football team hopes to build anew on the strength of three things: defense, versatility and discipline.

The Pirates (2-9 overall, 0-7 Sandhills Athletic Conference in 2019) will look to improve defensively after allowing 38.2 points per game last season and 44.1 points per game in conference play.

“We’re going to be putting our best players on the defensive side of the ball,” Deese said. “We’re going to set the tone early in the season working on tackling and teaching the guys football, trying to build their IQ and let them learn football and learn to play together and communicate.”

Quintez Shipman will be a defensive “tone-setter” and can also make an impact at running back, Deese said. Jadarion Chatman, last season’s Robeson County Offensive Player of the Year at quarterback (four passing touchdowns, three rushing touchdowns), should be a key player defensively as he moves into a more versatile role.

The Pirates are looking for that versatility to be a theme up and down the roster. Chatman could play at any of the skill positions on a given snap, moved off the permanent quarterback role as incoming transfer Russell Echard (four passing touchdowns, two rushing touchdowns last season in La Plata, Maryland) fills the spot. Russell’s brother Darral Echard, will play receiver and safety. Hayden Hunt will also play several positions.

“(The Echards) came in day one and really set a tone with the rest of the guys,” Deese said. “With Russel coming it gives us the leeway now of using (Jadarion Chatman), utilizing him and his skill set; he’s basically a Swiss army knife. It really expands our team and our athleticism.”

Deese, who took over with four games left in 2019, also looks to bring a more disciplined approach to the team, and hopes that converts to more success on the field.

“Discipline, accountability — those are the two main factors in building a culture and the mindset and willingness to win now, and trying to instill it in these guys and they’re buying in,” Deese said. “As far as team chemistry and mindset, this is by far the best team since I’ve been at Lumberton.”

The Pirates are currently quarantined due to COVID-19 protocols and their season opener at Hoke County scheduled for Feb. 26 is postponed. The Pirates now open March 5 at Jack Britt.