Four Pirates sign to continue football careers

By Ellis Knox | reporter@campcounty.now

Four Pittsburg High School seniors will continue their football careers at the next level as Feb. 1 was “National Signing Day” throughout the nation.
A ceremony was held for the foursome  - Bradlee Warrick, Deldric “Red” Shields, Tra’jon Sheppard and Cristion Williams  -- at the high school.
“Only six percent of all high school football players in the nation will sign a national letter-of-intent today,” said Baca. “Understand and be proud of not only the work you’ve put in, but the work put in by your parents, your grandparents, and your aunts, uncles, cousins, coaches, teachers and administrators. This is day is possible because of the collective effort of a lot of people that love and care about you.”
Warrick, a 6-foot-2, 265-pounder, signed with Texas Southern University (NCAA Division I) in Houston. He was a defensive lineman for the Pirates but will be switched to fullback at TSU.
During the 2016 season, Warrick had 92 tackles and eight sacks. He was the 2016 Defensive Player of the Years in Class 4A District 5 and was as all-state selection by 2016 Texas Associated Press Sports Editors in 4A. Warrick will play in the Fellowship of Christian (FCA) Athletes Heart of a Champion Bowl in June.
Shields, a 5-10, 180-pound running back, signed with Blinn Junior College (NJCAA) in Brenham.
During last season, he carried the ball 179 times for 1,010 yards and 13 touchdowns. Shields also had 12 receptions for 199 yards and four scores.
He was selected first-team All-District running back, and first-team All-District defensive utility player. Sheilds will also play in the FCA Heart of Champions Bowl.
Athlete Tra’Jon Sheppard signed to play at East Texas Baptist University (NCAA Division III) in Marshall. Last season, the 5-6, 140-pounder caught 25 balls for 187 yards and carried the ball 96 times for 403 yards and three touchdowns. Sheppard was selected as a second-team All-District wide receiver.
Williams, a 6-2, 185-pounder, signed with Southeastern Oklahoma State University (NCAA Division II) in Durant. 
He had 27 receptions for 530 yards and nine TDs, which made him the Pirates second all-time receiver. Williams was also a first-team All-District wide receiver.
“On National Signing Day 2017, I’d like to give a shout out to all high school athletes not signing today, who busted your rear-ends for four years to develop strong character traits that will take you far in life,” Baca said.