PENDLETON — Through 11 seasons, four home fields and two team names, Madison County semipro football had called Anderson its home.

In 1993, the Madison County Chiefs were founded and played their inaugural season at the Carl Bonge Track & Field, located across the street from the Wigwam. In 1996, the team played at East Side Middle School. From 1997 through 2001, the Chiefs would make Denny Field their home until finishing off their final two seasons at Collier Field.

In 2005 and 2006, the newly formed Madison County Pirates would play their games at Denny Field.

In 2008, a change of scenery has taken place.

The Pirates (1-0) will play their home opener tonight at the Falls Creek Park football field, which on Saturdays will be referred to by the Pirates and their fans as “The Pirates Cove.” They’ll welcome the West Central Wildcats (0-0) tonight at 7:30 p.m.

Last week, the Pirates won a 19-6 road decision over the Indianapolis Stampede. The Wildcats game last week was postponed to a later date, as their game with the Randolph County Riot was put on hold because of an unplayable field.

The refrain from the Pirates camp this week has been “We’re happy we won, but ...”

Madison County won, but not necessarily in a way that pleases the team members.

Sloppy play on a muddy field aside, the Pirates felt they could have done more, and now that they have a gauge for what they need to work on, they’ll look to take another step in the right direction tonight.

“I’m not going to lie: the Madison County Pirates can play better than that,” Pirates head coach Tyrice Hooten said. “For some reason, we just didn't have our A game. I don’t know what it was, mud bowl or what, I just hope we got it out of our system. We’ve got to be more consistent.”

“I’m happy we won,” said Pirates center John Jackson. “Hopefully we’ve found what we need to improve on and we’re going to be tested (tonight).”

The Wildcats will come to Pendleton with a reputation for being a smashmouth running team on offense and a solid attacking defensive unit. A week ago, the Madison County defense held the Stampede to negative rushing yards (-14) while forcing three fumbles and picking off four passes. This week’s game looks to be a battle of who will establish their ground game first before the ball goes to the air.

“We can’t play against the Wildcats the way we did against the Stampede,” Hooten said. “If we do, it will be a long day. The Wildcats will be a power-running team and they will bring the pain.”

The Pirates hope to represent Pendleton well on the field tonight and hope for a good turnout.

“It’s exciting for everybody all the way around,” Hooten said. “The players are happy to be having this first game at home.”