The Massachusetts Pirates kick off the 2024 season on Sunday afternoon in Green Bay against the Blizzard. It has been a tumultuous off-season for the Pirates. After talk of leaving Massachusetts, the Pirates stayed and are moving from Worcester to Lowell.

The Pirates also have a new head coach in Rod Miller who joins the Pirates after serving as the Defensive Coordinator for the Vegas Knight Hawks last season. The Knight Hawks had the number one pass defense and were third ranked in total defense. Miller will also run the defense and coach the defensive backs.

Mark Stoute returns for his fourth season with the Pirates. After serving as Head Coach last year, Stoute will now become an Associate Head Coach, coach the defensive line and linebackers and take on the role of Assistant Director of Football Operations.

Bones Bagnante will take over as offensive coordinator. Bagnsnte will coach a unit that returns one of the top skill groups in the IFL.

Here is what to expect on offense and defense.

Offense: Alejandro Bennifield is back at quarterback after an injury plagued 2023 season. Bennifield is still one of the top signal callers in the IFL and provided he’s healthy, should have a big season. Thomas Owens and Issac Zico return at wide receiver. Both are amongst the best at the position and should end up in the top ten in production. Former Westford Academy star Connor Degenhardt will back up Bennifield. Degenhardt played at Holy Cross and New Haven.

Running back Jimmie Robinson is back after a monster season in which he made big plays both as a running back and in the return game. The 5-8 190 pound Robinson will once again be used in a myriad of ways in the Pirates offense. Former Utah running back Tavion Thomas is a big back who is versatile. He was highly productive in college.

The offensive line features Navaughn Donaldson, Jeremy Cooper and South Walpole native and Xaverian alum Jake Guidone. Guidone, who played at Dartmouth and UConn projects to be the starting center and should anchor this unit.

Defense: The defensive line should once again be a strength. 6-5 310 pound defensive lineman James Nyamwaya is an Andover native who gives the front some size and length. Kevin Thurman and Julius Turner along with Guy Thomas form a multi-faceted front that can do many different things.

The linebacking corp and the secondary have been revamped. Darius Williams, Matt Elam and Momodou Mbye will be prominently featured as the Pirates try to find some consistency after a tough season in 2023. Massachusetts gave up a lot of points and a lot of big plays. Devin Hafford and Eugene Ford figure to be in the mix as well. Linebacker Calvin Bundage will be counted on to play a lot of snaps in all situations.

Kicker Josh Gable is one of the best kickers in the IFL and he will be counted on to provide offense and give the Pirates points when drives stall.