You must be logged in to post comments. Please Log in or register.
 |
|
Prep Roundup
Columnists Brian Meadows Brad NormanMembersLocal Connection› Iredell County Young Athletes Association› South Iredell Athletics Association › SHS athletics › WIHS athletics › NIHS athletics › SIHS athletics › LNHS athletics Syndicate RSSAP NASCAR NASCAR Features A look at this year's schedule A look at this year's drivers Differences between stock car and open-wheel racing NASCAR Research & Development Petty Enterprises splitter testing Aerodynamic testing in Concord's wind tunnel Top 10 moments in Daytona history Site StatisticsThis page has been viewed 136003 timesPage rendered in 0.2617 seconds Total Stories: 2064 Total Comments: 34 Most Recent Entry: 05/16/2008 10:19 pm Most Recent Comment on: 04/17/2008 10:54 pm Most Recent Visitor on: 05/17/2008 04:19 pm |
• Public Schools • Mooresville High School • top story
2008 May-08
BASEBALL
Devils seeks postseason redemptionBy Brad Norman
Mooresville’s seniors still remember the numbness and pure shock they felt last year after a stunning 8-4 loss to Parkland during the first round of the 3A baseball playoffs. It was a bitter end to an otherwise successful season that included the program’s first conference title in 22 years. The Blue Devils will seek postseason redemption tonight when they travel to Newton Foard (16-7) for a first-round playoff game they hope replaces last year’s unpleasant memories. “It feels good to be back in the playoffs,” Mooresville senior Chris Beaver said in the midst of a more-serious-than-usual practice. “We’ve been waiting on this game the whole year. It’s time, and I think everybody knows it.” Aubrey Meadows certainly knows it. The Mooresville senior and ace of the pitching staff will get the start tonight. He did not pitch in last year’s playoff game. “It’s been our goal since the (Parkland) game to go farther than we did last year,” Meadows said. “Last year was a big disappointment for us. I’m confident that we’ll do good. “I can’t promise a win, but I’ll do my best to win the game. I’ll do what I have to do.” What he’ll probably have to do is outduel Foard ace Chad Rothlin. Foard has not played in more than a week, and Mooresville’s players and staff expect the rested Tigers to start Rothlin tonight. Rothlin and Meadows have both signed to play baseball at UNC Charlotte next season, but the future teammates will be opponents for one more game. “I know Chad is going to do his best,” Meadows said. “There’s kind of a competition going on there. He’s a real crafty, smart pitcher.” Foard earned the No. 2 seed among 3A teams from a tough Catawba Valley 2A-3A conference. Foard and the Blue Devils played against each other in the Catawba County Easter Classic in 2006 and 2007, and Mooresville’s coaching staff watched the end of a Foard game during this year’s tournament. “They’ve got some players and they play in a good conference,” Blue Devils coach Jeff Burchett said. “It’s going to be a tough first-round game. It’s a tough draw, and I’m sure they are thinking the same thing.” The Blue Devils finished the regular season with an 18-5 overall record, one of the best in the 3A field. But due to premade brackets, Mooresville will be on the road for the playoffs, barring any upsets. “We’re disappointed we have to go on the road,” Burchett said. “We finished second in a 10-team conference, and get rewarded with a road game. But, that’s the way it is and that’s what we’ll do.” This game also presents a potential added bonus for the Blue Devils. A win against Foard could set up a second-round game against North Piedmont 3A foe West Rowan, which plays Marvin Ridge in the first round. West Rowan spoiled Mooresville’s senior night Monday with a 5-4 win. “There were a little tears shed on (Monday) being senior night,” Burchett said. “We were a little uptight. I’m sure our guys will come out a little more hungry.” Bookmarkz |
|
