The Pirates will look to remain undefeated when they host the Sioux Falls Storm (0-1) at the Tsongas Center.  The Pirates (2-0) are coming off their home opening win last Saturday night in their first ever game in Lowell. The 26-21 win over the Jacksonville Sharks was the team’s fourth home opening victory in the six-year history of the franchise.

The Pirates are 2-2 all-time against the Storm. They won both meetings in 2022. The Storm defeated the Pirates in South Dakota in the final regular season game of the 2023 season and beat the Pirates in the first round of the IFL Playoffs.

Here are three keys to the game.

1. Keep riding the defense: The defense was terrific in last week’s win against the Sharks and they will once again have to be the catalyst as the offense finds their footing. Early turnovers will be key in this game.

2. Get Jimmie Robinson going early: Robinson had 16 carries for 70 yards and a rushing touchdown last week. He also caught the game winning six yard touchdown pass. He has been the Pirates top weapon right now and needs to continue to be if the Pirates are going to win tonight and stay undefeated.

3. Dominate the line of scrimmage: The Pirates offensive and defensive lines have been good thus far this season.  They will need to be tone setters once again tonight against a good O and D line for the Storm. Establishing a physical presence is key early. Sioux Falls took it to the Pirates up front in the two meetings last season.

Final Thoughts: Pirates need this one. A 3-0 start would be big in the east and it would help avenge the two end of season losses to Sioux Falls last season. This Pirates team is better and they need to prove it tonight.