The Wheatland Pirates come into 2026 with a reloaded roster and multiple returning starters. Photo by Chris Pedigo

Wheatland Pirates 2026

2025 Record: 7-4, (Lost in first round of the CIF SJS D-VI playoffs)

Coach: Andy Fatten

League: Pioneer Valley League

WHEATLAND, CA (YSBC) - As the music flows throughout Sahrakoff Stadium during practice for the Wheatland Pirates football team, the whistles and claps match up to the rhythm of the team on the field.

Wheatland comes into the 2026 football season with a ton of reloaded talent on both sides of the ball and they are looking to make a splash.

Pirates head coach Andy Fatten expressed to Yuba Sutter Butte Colusa Sports that his team worked hard and improved in all areas during the offseason.

Fatten said the weight room is always a game changer for his program as they prepare for physical teams during the season.

Wheatland senior quarterback Joseph Franklin tosses a pass during practice on Aug. 11. Photo by Chris Pedigo

Offense

Wheatland senior quarterback Joseph Franklin returns as he passed for over 1000 yards in 2025 off 70 completions.

The Pirates have a backfield with multiple athletes that can rush the ball at any given time.

Wheatland junior running back Johnny Mcknight told YSBC they get their energy through competing and over the summer they competed in multiple camps (Tahoe and Sacramento State) and the seven-on-seven matchups.

The Pirates have endured two consecutive first-round exits in the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs.

McKnight told YSBC that a big key for them this season is to stay focused and not overlook teams as they play them because anyone can be beaten on any day.

Defense

Defensively, Wheatland junior linebacker Colton Burns, who led the team with 105 tackles returns to the middle.

Burns said that he is excited for the talent of this year’s team and the brotherhood they have built. He added that they are going to be physical and fast this season.

The Pirates bring back their entire defensive line and have a quick and tall secondary.

Mcknight will return to safety on defense.

Burns told YSBC he learned a lot from the leadership in 2025 of the selflessness they displayed for the team and that is the type of leader he wants to be.

Wheatland junior linebacker Colton Burns runs a drill during practice on Aug. 11. Photo by Chris Pedigo

Schedule

8/28 vs. Amador (Sutter Creek), 7:30 p.m.

9/4 at Union Mine (El Dorado), 7:30 p.m.

9/11 at Bradshaw Christian (Sacramento), 7:15 p.m.

9/25 vs. Oakmont (Roseville), 7:30 p.m. *

10/2 vs. Bear River (Grass Valley), 7:15 p.m. *

10/9 at Lincoln, 7:15 p.m. *

10/16  at Colfax, 7:15 p.m. *

10/23 at Marysville, 7:15 p.m. *

10/30 vs. Northgate (Walnut Creek), 7:15 p.m.

11/6 vs. Center (Antelope), 7:15 p.m. *

*= Pioneer Valley League contest