Marshfield coach Kent Wigle downplayed his 300th career win personally, but said the value of the Pirates’ 33-15 win at Klamath Union on Friday will be seen in the weeks to come.

“It’s all about the journey,” Wigle said. “We left this morning at 10 o’clock. We’re going to get home at 3:30 or 4 and then have films at 8 a.m. so we can go down and watch the Pre, and then get ready for Grants Pass. That’s what the life of a coach is about, along with the kids and the assistants.”

In other words, Wigle will have lots of time to reflect on his successful career and latest milestone, but first there’s more work to be done.

“Having 300 wins isn’t going to make a difference to Grants Pass whether we win or lose,” Wigle said.

Jesse Fox scored four touchdowns for the Pirates and Marshfield made strides on defense after last week’s tough loss to Marist.

“We did some good things,” Wigle said. “We still gave up a couple of big plays and broke down a little bit. We made some really nice progress.”

Marshfield took a big step on offense.

“We ran the ball very effectively, which we had not done in the first couple of ballgames,” Wigle said. “That’s a big improvement for us.”

Cameron Winfrey carried 10 times for 91 yards, and scored Marshfield’s final touchdown, while Fox had 15 carries for 79 yards and quarterback Brogan Oswald had 10 carries for 80 yards.

Oswald only attempted seven passes, completing four.

On defense, the Pirates gave up 137 yards rushing and 157 passing, but had two interceptions.

Marshfield improved to 2-1, including the season-opening endowment game victory over North Bend.

The Pirates also will take advantage of the season’s first, and longest, road trip.

“We talked this morning about being on a journey together and developing camaraderie on the team and rebounding from a tough loss,” Wigle said. “We’d like to have a special year.”

Friday’s win can be a big step toward that, he said. So can next week’s game — the team’s fourth of five nonleague contests.

“We’re looking forward to playing Grants Pass,” Wigle said. “It will be a real nice challenge next week.”

Wigle did take a moment to reflect briefly on his long career at South Umpqua and Marshfield, which has included four state titles and now 300 victories, against 88 losses, with two ties.

“I have a lot of fond memories,” he said.

Wigle ranks second all-time in Oregon for wins behind legendary Dayton coach Dewey Sullivan, who died last year.