Vashon High School football opens the 2023-24 season on the road on Saturday, Sept. 2, against Fort Vancouver High School.

The Pirates 2022-23 team finished with a 6-3 overall record, and 2-3 in conference play. Vashon posted the school’s best record in 13 years and came up one game short of qualifying for the WIAA state 1A football playoffs.

That team was led by a stingy defense that allowed 18 points per game, led by 13 seniors and 11 juniors. With another year of experience, this senior class looks to build on the success of the 2022-23 season.

This version of Pirate football will continue to be a defense-first mentality based on hard work, commitment and dedication to fellow teammates and the Vashon community.

Manu Samanna-Spagnoli (a VHS alum) enters his second year as the team’s head coach, bringing focus on the fundamentals of blocking and tackling.

“Make no mistake, I am going to demand the best from players and push our players to achieve high levels of personal and team development,” said Samanna-Spagnoli.

A retooled offense and new offensive coordinator will add a continued fresh look to VHS football.

New assistant coach/offensive coordinator Brian Banducci comes to Vashon with his family, by way of California, bringing years of coaching experience and knowledge.

The 2023-24 schedule features four non-conference games against Fort Vancouver, Sultan, Blaine and Granite Falls.

Five Nisqually League games this year include contests with Klahowya, East Jefferson; Life Christian, Bellevue Christian and Cascade Christian.

The first home game, against Sultan High School, is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8.

The team’s full 2023-24 schedule can be found at govashonpirates.com.

Come out and support VHS Football. Go Pirates!