State playoffs get underway

Thu, 05/11/2006 - 11:31am
By: Michael Boylan

Class AAAAA state playoffs
Who: Starr’s Mill Panthers (25-0) vs. Groves Rebels (11-11)

When: Friday, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. (If game, Saturday)

Notes: The Panthers were region 4-AAAAA champions once again. They have scored 258 runs and allowed only 75 this season. Over half of the runs they have allowed this season were scored since the beginning of April. The Panthers have posted seven shutouts this season and have scored in double digits 12 times. Groves’ season was a little uneven, filled with splits with playoff bound teams like Brunswick and Camden County. They are the fourth seed from region 3-AAAAA.

Players to watch: SM - Andrew Robinson, Joey Lewis, Brian Fletcher, Scooter Houston, Jimmy Tanner; G - Tayler Moore, Jonathan Barton.

Who: East Coweta Indians (18-8) vs. Glynn Academy Terrors (16-10)

When: Friday, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. (If game, Saturday)

Notes: The Indians have gone 8-2 in their last 10 games. Six of their eight losses have come against three teams; Starr’s Mill, Pike County and Sprayberry. The Indians are 4-3 in one run games this season. Glynn Academy is 12-1 in their last 13 games and they have scored 120 runs while only allowing 16 runs in that span.

Players to watch: EC - Brandon Behenna, Rico Reid, Levi Futo, Jake Lepchitz; GA - Alex Lucas, Kody Paul, Josh Kaiser, Blake Strickland

Who: Fayette County Tigers (16-10) @ Brunswick Pirates (18-8)

When: Friday, 5 and 8 p.m. (If game, Saturday, 1 p.m.)

Notes: The Tigers started the season hot with a 7-2 record but cooled down with a 9-8 finish. Their final two region losses were by one run though and the Tigers know they can compete. Brunswick has only lost three times since March 28 and six of their last seven wins have been by double digits. In 15 of the Pirates 18 wins, the team has scored in double digits.

Players to watch: FC - Matt Clark, Matt Burns, Kevin Finn, John Lees, Josh Brock, Jeremy Hyde; B - Chris Newsome, Matthew Pitts, Cason Mobley

Class AAAA state playoffs

Who: Northgate Vikings (21-4) vs. Westside, Macon Seminoles (9-12)

When: Thursday, 3 and 6 p.m. (if game, Friday)

Notes: The Vikings scored 10 runs or more in 11 of their wins this season and had two six game winning streaks separated by a one run loss to Whitewater. They ended the season with a four game winning streak that started after a one run loss to Sandy Creek. Westside, Macon didn’t have any long losing streaks this season but they can chalk two of their losses up to losing the majority of their team after storming the field to celebrate a winning run. They had previously been told by the umpire to stay in their dugout. They forfeited that win and then played the next game with only three varsity players.

Players to watch: N - Chad Basma, Will Smith, Will Daane, T.J. Jackson, Cory Kirkland; WM - Tyler Sailers, Logan Walker

Who: Whitewater Wildcats (16-9) vs. Henry County Warhawks (12-14)

When: Friday, 5 and 7:30 p.m. (If game, Saturday, 3 p.m.)

Notes: Whitewater heated up quickly after opening the season with four straight losses. They have gone 8-3 in their last 11 games and are getting production throughout their line-up. Top pitcher Justin Carpenter may miss this series with a turned ankle. Henry County is the AAAA defending state champions. They started the season with an 0-8 record, though four of those losses were forfeits due to a player violation. One of their four seniors had violated the eight semester rule.

Players to watch: W - Miles Head, Jonathan Sholar, Jonathan Ashley, Tom Bohrer, Kevin Lewallen; HC - Chris Chupp, Jeremy Boyd, Scott Robinson and Tyler Norton

Who: Sandy Creek Patriots (17-8) @ Hardaway Golden Hawks (19-6)

When: Friday, 12 and 3 p.m. (If game, Saturday, 1 p.m.)

Notes: The Patriots went on a 10-1 run five games into the season before stumbling a bit. They ended the season on a good note though, winning four of their last five games. Seven of their eight losses were by two runs or less. Hardaway went undefeated in sub-region play

Players to watch: SC - Tyler Betsill, Brent Brewer, Kel Cudsik, Brandon Swann, Robert Jaracz, Duncan Midkiff; H - Mark Grimm, Taylor Pritchett, David Floyd

Class A state playoffs
Who: Landmark Christian War Eagles (22-4) @ Bowdon Red Devils (18-6)

When: Friday, 2 and 5 p.m. (If game, Saturday, 2 p.m.)

Notes: Landmark’s four losses came against two teams, Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy and Mt. Paran. The War Eagles have gone 8-2 in their last 10 games and were only held below double digits seven times this season. Bowdon has also gone 8-2 in their last 10 games and is 0-3 in one run games this season.

Players to Watch: LC- Tommy Kinney, Trey Strickland, Matt Moody, Miles King, Ryan Lloyd; B - A.J. Cooley, Derrick Norton, Scott Yates, Josh Grooms

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