Pasco Gets First Win of Stubbs Era in Home Opener

The Pirates picked up their first win of the 2026 season, gave head coach Cortez Stubbs his first victory leading the program and did it in the first varsity football game at Pasco’s new stadium.

Pasco beat Central 36-6, improving to 1-2 after opening the season with back-to-back losses.

The run game was a big part of it.

Gio Reyes and James Canty both had big nights out of the backfield, giving Pasco multiple options on the ground and helping the Pirates put together their best offensive performance of the young season.

For Stubbs and his staff, the win gives Pasco something to build from before the schedule gets much more district-heavy.

There were always going to be some adjustments with a new staff and new systems in place, but getting the first one out of the way matters.

Doing it in the home opener made the night even better.

The new stadium gave Friday a different feel before the game ever started, and the Pirates made sure the first varsity game there ended with a win.

Now the schedule changes considerably.

Gulf comes to Pasco next before the Pirates travel to Fivay and Hudson. Cypress Creek follows, with River Ridge, Springstead and Zephyrhills also still ahead.

Most of that stretch comes against district opponents, which means the games that will have the biggest say in Pasco’s season are still in front of them.

The Pirates are 1-2, but Stubbs and his staff now have their first win together before district play really starts to take over the schedule.

For Pasco, Friday felt like a good place to start.