It is the first showcase of the Massachusetts Pirates’ two prize midseason acquisitions at the DCU Center.
Offensive lineman Tre Jackson and running back/wide receiver Dexter McCluster made an immediate impact last week, but it will be different in front of their home crowd.
McCluster while a little nervous, feels more excited.
“I am more so excited than anxious, not really nervous,” McCluster said. At the end of the day, it’s still football I’ve been doing it a long time so I’m just excited to get in there and play for home team see how the crowd is, see how the fans interact, it’s gonna be great.”
When Pirates president Jawad Yatim gave Jackson the call, the former New England Patriot was excited for the opportunity to play football back in the Bay State.
“When I got the phone call, I was pretty anxious to get back up to the Boston area,” Jackson said. “I was just pretty anxious to be back around this location.”
It was a bit of an adjustment for Jackson who was not only getting used to the game’s format, but its attire as well.
“A big thing was the actual playing grounds, going from playing on grass and turf to going onto carpeted turf, that played a big difference,” Jackson said. “Going from playing with football cleats, to playing in indoor shoes and that played a big difference so, you’re getting used to the smaller things but at the end of the day, it’s still playing football one on one just the man in front of you.”
McCluster scored his first touchdown in his inaugural appearance with the team and hopes to improve off of that in front of the home crowd.
“One thing that I learned from last week is to be where I need to be at all times,” McCluster said. “Just be in the next spot.”
The former Kansas City Chief made an appearance on “98.5 The Sports Hub” speaking with former Patriot Scott Zolak and spoke about their exchanges.
“He’s been there, done that so obviously he knows what he’s talking about,” McCluster said on Zolak. “He’s just really here to motivate us to win so, and once we start winning around here like last they did year, I think it will bring a lot to both [Patriots and the Pirates].”
Jackson had a message for the Pirates fans on tonight’s game.
“[You have to] come out and watch us get this [win],” Jackson said.
