’29 defender was the most skilled Pirate on Berea’s defense by “…a long sea mile…” in ’25
Around Berea, Kentucky, being a “Pirate” is a good thing. That is significant as being a “Pirate” almost anywhere else is not so positive a descriptor. Through the years “Pirates” have taken a bad rap, as have terms like “pirated” or “piracy.” Being a “Pirate” is a good thing in Bera, particularly around the Slone household. Dalton Slone is a guy who got limited run in football, owing to his being a freshman. In spite of the limited opportunities, Slone’s production was right impressive and evidenced an ability to get down hill and make plays in the backfield. Slone is a multi-sport, varsity athlete and a guy with the skill set to contribute on the football field in a variety of phases. We know this, Berea’s ability to develop the “Dalton Slones” will go along way in determining the type of program the “Pirates” will be able to field. Enjoy this look at a very good young player.
HB Lyon, Scouting Director, “KPGFootball”
Berea, KY: The United States once declared war on the Barbary Coast and some pirates there. The First Barbary War (1801–1805), also known as the Tripolitan War (Marine Corp Hym: 🎶From the Halls of Montezuma, To the shores of Tripoli…) and the Barbary Coast War, was a conflict during the 1801–1815 in which the United States fought against Ottoman Tripolitania.
Tripolitania had declared war against the United States over disputes regarding tributary payments in exchange for a cessation of Tripolitanian commerce raiding at sea. United States President Thomas Jefferson refused to pay this tribute.
The First Barbary War was the first major American war fought outside the New World, and in the Arab world. It was also the lone time the US would declare war on something aside from another sovereign nation.
Pirate is an interesting term. First of all a “Pirate” is the mascot of Berea High School in lovely Berea, Kentucky.
Aside from that, a Pirate is a criminal who sails to attack and plunder other ships or coastal areas, someone who illegally copies or distributes copyrighted content, a radio or TV station which operates without official permission, or even someone who steals another person’s ideas and uses them as his or her own. It is many things to many people.
Dalton Slone, ’29 DL (No. 64), is a Pirate but in the good way. He is a Berea High School Pirate.
Slone is a “Pirate” but in a good way…
Friday Night Fletch
The only idea Slone’s been pirating is the idea to get north and south, penetrate into the backfield, and hit ball carriers for a loss. You can say Slone has pirated the concept of putting opposing defenses into late down, long distance situations. The Berea coaching staff is thrilled.
Slone only got run in four (4) varsity games in football a year ago. Slone also plays varsity basketball and got five (5) games run on the hardwood.
While only playing in four (4) games, Slone still accounted for nine (9) tackles and four (4) TFLs. Slone led the entire team with a pair of QB-sacks. Considering the entire team only got three (3) sacks in 2025, accounting for two-thirds of the entire total, in only four (4) games, is right impressive.
We need more production from Slone if 2026 is to be the season it is can be. It would appear the only thing needed for Slone’s added production is for Slone to get additional opportunity.
As another famous Pirate would say, perhaps Slone should be the captain in 2026. After all, “…[Slone appears to be] the best man [on Berea’s defense] by a long sea-mile.” Treasure Island, Robert Louis Stevenson, Cassell & Company, 1883.
That is how the late, great John Silver would have phrased it. Then again, what do we know?
This is Friday Night Fletch, reporting for KPGFootball; reminding you to PLAY THROUGH THE WHISTLE!
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