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Jacket's Coach Henderson gets 200th win
Closing with three straight wins, Calhoun High's baseball Jackets helped deliver a milestone achievement for homegrown coach Chip Henderson.
For the nine-year head coach, career win No. 200 was granted via an 11-0 shutout against Rockmart in the season finale.
"I've been blessed to have had some tremendous ball players come through the program and some quality assistants," Henderson said. "Give all the credit to the players; they are the ones who go out and play the games."
Among those standouts, some 15 players have had an opportunity to play college baseball. Ten Jackets recieved baseball scholarships.
University of Georgia product Matt Robbins - Class A player of the year in 2000 - heads the list. Younger brother Whit Robbins enrolls at Georgia Tech this fall through a baseball scholarship.
Cousin John Robbins is a sophomore pitcher at highly regarded Kennesaw State.
Other memorable performers include Ryan Earl, Chase Leatherwood, Braden Ashworth, Joel Taylor, Jared Mills, Casey Baxter, Andy Spencer, Justin Owen, William Bryant, and Brandon Reese.
During his tenure at Calhoun, Henderson has collected many fond memories - none more vivid than winning the Class A state championship in 2000.
"Those two games played at Lovett have to be the two biggest wins." Henderson said. "I've known coaches who've coached for 30 years and never won a region title. WInning a state title puts things into perspective, lets me know how fortunate I am."
"We went 33-4 that season and stayed on the road throughout the playoffs after losing to Lovett in the region championship," he said. "With everything stacked against us, to go down there and sweep them at their place made it just that much sweeter."
On the way to the state finals that spring, the Jackets played a memorable semifinal series that included three one-run games at Pacelli.
After dropping the first game, Calhoun claimed two one-run wins - the first ending a scant few minutes before GHSA's curfew.
"There were so many ups and downs in that series," Henderson said. "I believe that anybody associated with that series as a player or a coach would tell you that it was the most physically and mentally draining three games of baseball that you could be involved in."
The Jackets encored in 2001 with a 30-6 record and a Class AA runner-up finish. In 1996, they reached the Class A semifinal before falling to eventual champion Toombs County.
During Henderson's tenure, Calhoun has always finished above the .500 mark and has reached the postseason eight times.
"It's a big deal to have success as a high-school coach.," Henderson said, "but to win a state title and achieve 200 wins at your alma mater, in the town where you grew up, that's simply as good as it gets."
"I'm proud to have been a part of 200 wins here," he said. "Hopefully, there are many more to come, and I want them to come right here."
(Story from The Calhoun Times)
Jackets expect to be competetive
If pitching and defense wins baseball games, Calhoun's Yellow Jackets should be competetive this spring. Last year, Coach Chip Henderson's 14-11 squad missed the state playoffs for the first time in nine years. With seven returning starters, expect the Jackets to be back in the hunt this spring.
"Our main goal this year is to be competetive," Henderson said. "We want to play hard from the first pitch to the last out. If we take an aggressive approach to the game, the playoffs will take care for themselves."
A veteran junior class provides a solid nucleus for the Jackets this year, incluuding three right-handed pitchers. "We had a team comprised largley of 10th graders last year," Henderson said. "Those kids are now stronger at the plate and on the mound. We played 30 games together this past summer, which also helped make us better."
Senior righty John Richardson anchors a crew of six valid hurlers for Calhoun. Richardson is a four-year starter who finished strong last year by delivering a no-hitter against Rockmart.
Juniors Ty Hollis, Jake Mitchell, and Chris Reeves have experience on the mound. Hollis has logged several startes over the past two years and looks to have an improved season.
Among the underclassmen, two lefties show promise. sophomore Will Ickes, wo pitched in spots as a freshman, has looked good in early practices. And left-handed freshman Josh Smoker could make a big impact early. "Josh really throws well," Henderson said. He has good velocity and command. He should see a good bit of action on the hill." Another freshman, Charlie Culberson, also looks to get his feet wet on the mound at Calhoun. "Pitching seems to be one of our strong points," Henderson said. "Pitching and defense."
Defensively, the Jackets return the nucleus of a solid infield. Junior Jacob Robbins returns for his third starting tour at shortstop, and senior Charles Christian makes his fourth campaign at first base. Junior Trevor Holbert also returns at third. "Trevor is a dirt player - the type of player you want to go into battle with," Henderson said. "He's really worked hard and gotten stronger. He's really been hitting the ball well."
Viable candidates remain for the one open infield spot. "We graduated Dustin Lee at second from last year," said Henderson. "Senior Jeremy Daughtry and Charlie Culberson will both see time at second base. That's the only real void we've got to fill in the infield." Sophomore Jody Hyde aids the infield. Senior Bart Walraven lend support as a utility infielder/outfielder.
Max Holland, a junior, will be our catcher again," he said. "Max was probably the player who improved the most for us last spring." Senior Cody Johns also returns to help with the catching chores this year. In the outfield, Richardson, Reeves, Hollis, Ickes, Smoker, Daughtry, Cody Adams, and T.J. Allen all expect to see some action.
With sound pitching and defense in place, one question remains: will the Jackets be able to score runs. "We're gona have to hit," said Henderson. "We don't have the luxury of the heavy sticks that we've had. We'll have to be more aggressive on the bases and do a few more things at the plate."
Adairsville, Walker, Dade County, and Armuchee represented Region 6-AA in the state playoffs last year. "Adairsville and Walker seem to be tough year-in and year-out." Henderson said. "Dade seems to have things going well up in Trenton. They return a lot of players from last year's squad. I think it's going to be a competetive region from top to bottom."
(Story from The Calhoun Times)
Shorter signs Daughtrey
For the second consecutive year, Shorter College's baseball program has signed a small but productive player. Center fielder Jeremy (J.D.) Daughtrey was the latest Yellow Jacket to sign with the Hawks. That came this week at the CHS media center.
At this time a year ago, second baseman-outfielder Dustin (Peanut) Lee signed a Shorter baseball scholarship "I'm most impressed with his defense," Shorter head coach Matt Larry said of Daughtrey. "We will probably put him in the infield somewhere. If we have needs in the outfield, we can put him out there. He swings a good bat." Daughtrey had been a second baseman in his first three years with the Jackets - including starting duty as a junior. He was moved to centerfield this season. "I've heard a lot of good things about the school," the 5-10, 155-pound Daughtrey said of Shorter. "It's close. It seems to fit me."
Calhoun head coach Chip Henderson, who played baseball at Shorter with Larry (early 1990's), related that he was recommending a quality player to his former teammate. "We moved Jeremy to the outfield because you must be strong up the middle, Henderson pointed out. "His work ethic is very good. He gives a great team effort." Although Daughtrey was batting only .255 in latest statistics, he had a team leading 14 walks. "He's gotten stronger," the Jackets' coach said. "He's a contact hitter. He's a smart base runner. Knowing coach Larry firsthand, I know he's going to a good program."
Shorter which indured a losing 2004 season, has been competing in the Georgia-Alabama-Carolina Conference which will add Tennessee next year. The 18-year-old Daughtrey, who expects to major in business, carries a B academic average. He is the son of David and Rose Daughtrey.
According to Larry, Lee made a vivid impression on the junior varsity team at third base. He hit .320 and made only two errors. "He came real close to being brought up this year (varsity)," Larry said of the 5-10, 160-pound Lee. "If you measured the heart in weight, he'd be 200 pounds."
(Story from The Calhoun Times)
Jackets aiming high in 2005
To say that expectations are running high for Calhoun Highs baseball team this spring might be an understatement.
The Jackets, who lost a tough battle with eventual state champion Bacon County during quarterfinal action last year, show an even stronger lineup this time around. Action begins Tuesday when Gaylesville (Ala.) invades.
On paper, we look really, really strong, Calhoun coach Chip Henderson said. The key will be how well we come together as a team.
Pitching and defense will be our strengths, he said. Hitting is our biggest concern, but I think well be okay there.
Sophomore ace Josh Smoker returns to head a deep stable of pitchers. With a fastball that reaches into the nineties and a serious breaking ball, the lefty is considered one of the top young pitching prospects in the nation.
Fellow sophomore Brodie Pullen, a transfer from Pepperell, helps solidify the already hefty pitching rotation. He joins seniors Ty Hollis and Jake Mitchell, juniors Will Ickes and Eric Fowler, sophomore Charlie Culberson, and freshman Jared Didrick.
Smoker, Pullen, Ickes, and Hollis will get quality innings for us, Henderson said. Were blessed with an abundance of good pitchers.
When looking at the Jackets defense, you have to start with the best middle-infield combo around. Four-year starting shortstop Jacob Robbins teams with second baseman Culberson to form that bedrock.
Robbins, who has verbally committed to play at Kennesaw State next year, shows improved strength and quickness.
Jacob has really been that diamond in the rough, Henderson said. I look for him to have a breakout year.
He makes the plays at short, swings a good stick, and runs well. He has a complete game.
Returning senior starters Cody Adams and Trevor Holbert will man first and third base, respectively. Adams moves in from right field and bolsters the middle of Calhouns batting lineup.
Another returning senior starter, Max Holland, will be behind the plate. He will split time there with fellow senior Bradley Ferguson, who moved in from Cass.
Max is experienced and has tremendous leadership, said Henderson. Ferguson has a good arm, is agile behind the plate, and is a contact hitter.
Other players wholl likely see spot action in the infield are junior Patrick Jackson, second base; Pullen, third and first; Mitchell, third; and Jacob Brzozoski, shortstop.
In the outfield, Smoker, Hollis, Chris Reeves, Jody Hyde, T.J. Allen, Ickes, Haggan Spector, and Didrick will all contend for spots.
Calhoun is considered a favorite among the Region 6-AA hopefuls. Other frontrunners include Pepperell, Dade County, and Adairsville.
It will be a tough race, Henderson said. Pepperell moved down from 6-AAA, and they have a tradition in baseball. Dade has been a program on the rise in recent years, and Adairsville is always tough.
Deron Walraven returns to provide quality assistance for the third straight season, while Michael Davis joins the staff for his first tour as an assistant coach.
(Story from The Calhoun Times)
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Jackets go after Title
Calhoun High pitching coach Michael Davis has been brushing up this week on a pitch that is almost non-existent in high school baseball: the knuckleball.
His No. 1-ranked Yellow Jackets (32-1) are seeking the school's third state title as Westside-Augusta (32-2) visits in a best-of-three series for the Class AA state championship starting this afternoon at 4 p.m.
In regard to Davis' role this week, Westside displays a standout pitcher, Chandler Hall, who throws the knuckleball.
Hall, a freshman left-hander, has compiled a 6-0 record while using that pitch.
"From what I'm able to gather, he uses the knuckler as his out pitch," Davis, himself a left-hander, said. "He sets it up with his other pitches."
How much does a knuckleball pitcher concern Calhoun coach Chip Henderson?
"It depends how well coach Davis throws the knuckleball," Henderson answered. "I haven't seen a knuckleball since Phil and Joe Niekro with the (Atlanta) Braves."
What is the secret for hitting a knuckler?
"You have to be very patient," Davis replied. "I call it middle back side. You concentrate on hitting up the middle and to the opposite field."
Despite Hall's prowess with the knuckler, he is considered the No. 2 pitcher behind junior righty Bradley Logan, who is 12-0.
Logan likely will be paired in the opening game against Calhoun sophomore sensation Josh Smoker, who is 11-0 with a 0.10 ERA.
Brodie Pullen, 9-1 with a 1.96 ERA, will pitch the second game for the Yellow Jackets.
Smoker and Pullen both pitched complete-game wins in the sweep Monday of visiting Buford. They have hurled all but two innings in state playoff sweeps against Greater Atlanta Christian, Pace Academy, Brantley County and Buford.
Should Smoker and Pullen need some help, Henderson isn't short on options.
Also available for the Yellow Jackets, who have a 1.00 ERA as a team, are closer Jake Mitchell (4-0, 1.38) left-hander Will Ickes (5-0, 1.08) and Ty Hollis (4-0, 0.95).
"You have to be impressed with the way (Westside) went down to Cook and swept them," Henderson said of the other semifinal series Monday. "They've got to have quality pitchers. They swing the bats well. They play solid defense."
Westside went the full three games to survive Decatur in the first round before sweeping Pepperell, Pike County and Cook to advance to the championship series.
The Patriots' leaders at the plate include shortstop Jason Knight, who is hitting .450, third baseman Rhett Newsome (.430) and center fielder Logan Jackson (.380).
Calhoun is batting a robust .386 through Monday's sweep of Buford. Leading the way is shortstop Jacob Robbins, who is hitting a scorching .602.
Also swinging a hot bat are first baseman Cody Adams (.505), second baseman Charlie Culberson (.474), Pullen (.404) and catcher Max Holland (.384).
Holland and Adams have slammed six home runs each, with Pullen adding five and Robbins four.
(Story from the Rome News-Tribune)
 | | Photo by Trey Pierson | |
2005 State Champions !!!
Prior to sweeping Westside-Augusta on Friday night to win the Class AA state baseball championship, the Calhoun Yellow Jackets didn't look nervous at all.
The fans? That's another story.
"I was nervous all day," said Mike Smoker, whose son Josh got both the win and a rare save as well in Calhoun's 8-4 Game 1 victory. "Josh is always calm and collected when he's out there, but I'm nervous.
"I only worked two or three hours (at Southern Precision) today. I wasn't getting anything done, so I decided to come on out to the park and do nothing here."
About 1,500 people, at least 80 percent of whom were Calhoun fans, piled into Yellow Jacket Stadium, making it standing room only.
Even more people sat outside the field and watched the proceedings from some temporary bleachers - two flatbed trucks, a dump truck and a Calhoun Fire Department truck stationed behind the left field fence.
One person who took in the game from her seat on one of the flatbed trucks was Calhoun High sophomore Kayla Lewis.
She claimed her front-row seat well before the 5 p.m. first pitch and said the flatbed trucks afforded a great view of the field. "Sitting out here is nice and comfy," said Lewis. "I've been out here on the flatbed truck for every single series.
"The guys playing left field and pitchers in the bullpen will turn around and look at us sometimes. We can get pretty loud when we get on the other team, but it's really fun."
Prior to the state championship series, there had been only one flatbed truck set up behind the fence.
But on Friday, there were two trucks parked beyond the left field fence, and they were both stuffed to the gills with Calhoun High students and other Yellow Jacket fans.
"It didn't matter if they had one truck or two here today," said Lewis. "We were going to jam them full either way."
Smoker said the atmosphere around the stadium was electric.
"It's pretty crazy," said Smoker. "It's great that everyone has come out to support the baseball team like they did today. It's hard to believe this many people came to a high school baseball game."
After the win in the first game, Lewis liked the Yellow Jackets' chances in the nightcap.
"I think we have a good chance," said Lewis. "Brodie (Pullen) is a good pitcher, and we've got a good hitting team. If we carry over some momentum from the first game, I like our chances."
Lewis proved to be prophetic, as Pullen pitched a strong game and Calhoun finished the sweep with a 6-0 victory.
(Story from The Calhoun Times)
Wednesday, March 1
Number 1 Jackets ready to defend Title
Although Calhoun Highs baseball team will be hard-pressed to equal last years magical State AA championship season, some battle-tested veterans lead another powerhouse.
During the 2005 campaign, the Yellow Jackets fashioned Georgias best overall prep record at 34-1. They were the lone edition to sweep all five state playoff series (10-0).
Keyed by the two pitching aces among five returning starters, Calhoun enters the season ranked No. 1 in State AA (Region 6) and carrying a 29-game winning streak.
Its a tribute to our kids and the program, veteran head coach Chip Henderson said. Its hard to repeat. Last year was truly a magical season. Well be competitive, with a shot to be real good.
There will be that proverbial bullseye from every opponent.
We cant get caught up in it, Henderson cautioned. It doesnt guarantee you anything. Well see everybodys ace and everybodys best game. Every team wants to beat the state champion.
In this millennium, Calhoun has captured two state titles (earlier 2000) and one state runner-up (2001).
Among eight graduation losses from last year, three signed college scholarships namely four-year starting shortstop Jacob Robbins (top hitter at .602), Kennesaw State University; first baseman Cody Adams, Wallace College (Ala.); and pitcher Jake Mitchell, Sneed State College (Ala.). Other departees were Max Holland and Bradley Ferguson, catchers; Trevor Holbert, third baseman-outfielder; Chris Reeves, center fielder; and Ty Hollis, pitcher.
Last year, the ability of the seniors to play and lead was vital to our success, Henderson praised. It will be hard to replace some of those guys. As those doors close, some new ones will open.
One telling statistic from last season: Calhoun batted a lethal .383 and the foes a meager .149.
Calhoun opens its season at home Tuesday against higher class power Ringgold of Region 7-AAAA. The first pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m.
Tremendous pitching
It seems unlikely that any prep team in Georgia will enter the season armed with better pitching.
Weve had some great pitching over the years, Henderson related. I cant remember this much talent on one staff. Southpaw Josh Smoker (6-2, 195) and righty Brodie Pullen (6-0, 190) were incredible throughout last season as SOPHOMORES.
Josh is as good as advertised, the Jackets coach commended. You just dont stumble into state player of the year by chance. Hes a special player. He has the fast ball and a real hard-breaking pitch and throws a changeup. He has a tremendous work ethic.
In posting a perfect record last time (12-0), he allowed a mere one earned run all season (microscopic 0.09 ERA, 137 strikeouts and 18 walks in 75 1/3 innings).
Brodie is not a man of words, Henderson pointed out. However, hes a bulldog on the mound. You can see it in his eyes. He has the basic three pitches: the fast ball, changeup and curve. Hes picked up some velocity.
Pullen displayed an 11-1 record. He went 5-0 in the state playoffs the same as Smoker (1.75 ERA, 87 whiffs and 18 bases on balls).
To win it all, you must have three solid starters, Henderson stressed.
Of Charlie Culberson (5-11, 175, jr.), the Jackets mentor said, Probably on most staffs, he would be a No. 1 or No. 2. He is pretty solid with the three basic pitches. We must get him to be more consistent in the strike zone.
Other quality pitching candidates include righties Eric Fowler (6-0, 205, sr.), Jarrett Didrick (6-1, 180, soph.), Nick Davison (6-2, 245, soph.), Ty Frix (6-0, 180, soph.) and Jacob Brozozoski (5-10, 215, sr.); and lefty Patrick Gray (5-11, 220, sr.).
Standout performers
Jeremy King (5-10, 185, soph.) has been entrusted to catch the slants of those talented chunkers.
Jeremy primarily was the bullpen catcher last year, Henderson said. He benefitted by doing that. Defensively, hes sound. He has good, lateral movement. He has a great attitude. He needs to work on his throwing.
Culberson, a dandy second baseman last season, has moved to shortstop this time. He is the top hitter for average among the returnees (.470).
Charlies just moved next door, Henderson said. Its still a matter of reaction. Hes gotten stronger. I look for him at bat to rattle the fence some.
When not pitching, Pullen will man third base.
Brodies one of our top returning hitters (.416), Henderson said. He has power. Defensively, hes solid. He has tremendous arm strength and is pretty sure-handed.
Davison gets the starting call at first base.
Nicks scary strong, the coach offered. I look for him to show some signs of power (five home runs with the junior varsity). Nicks a good athlete with good hands and agility.
There is a battle-royal at second base between Patrick Jackson (6-1, 160, sr.) and Tre Lamb (5-8, 140, soph.).
Patrick was our courtesy and pinch runner last year, Henderson reminded. Tre, who played on the jv team, is a student of the game who is a good two-strike hitter.
In the outer garden, two starters are back namely Didrick, right; and Jody Hyde 5-10, 165, sr.), left.
Those guys are both solid out there, Henderson said. Jarrett started all year.
In center, any of several Jackets could start those being Curt Welch (6-1, 190, jr.), T.J. Allen (5-9, 150, sr.), Adam Urbano (5-8, 183, soph.) and Smoker. Clay West (6-0, 160, jr.) provides depth.
Josh Wyatt (5-8, 140, soph.), who is one of the Jackets most versatile players, can go at shortstop, second base or catcher. Justin White (6-0, 170, jr.) is ready for time at first base.
Brozozoski and Frix provide insurance at third base.
Less homers anticipated
Offensively, it might be the case of not having the power that we had last year home run-wise, Henderson said. Weve got some kids who can drive the ball to the gap. We must stress aggressiveness on the bases. Well try to put as much pressure on the defense as we can.
Defense again should be strong.
I feel comfortable with our defense, Henderson said. We were real strong last year. I dont think that well drop off too much. If we can just make the routine plays and not allow four or five outs, we should be okay.
Within Region 6-AA, toughest competition is anticipated from the likes of Pepperell, Armuchee and Rockmart.
Michael Davis (pitching coach) and Deron Walraven return as assistants. Josh Hardy and Ricky Ross will join the staff after the middle school season ends.
(Story from The Calhoun Times)
Saturday, March 3
Jackets ready for new Season
A tradition-rich Calhoun High baseball program has that loaded look this season of a powerhouse.
All except one starter have returned from last years team which went 22-9 overall while advancing to the State AA second round.
With so many people back, its much easier replacing one, veteran head coach Chip Henderson said this week. Its a lengthy season. The key is to stay injury-free. There are a lot of good teams out there.
Starting left fielder Jody Hyde, the lone graduated starter, is now playing baseball on scholarship at Toccoa Falls College.
From being a part of two state champions, youve got to be good, Henderson offered. You also have to receive a break or two.
In a dozen years at the Yellow Jackets helm, Henderson claims two state championships (2000 and 2005) and a state runner-up (2001). Ten of those squads advanced to the state playoffs four claiming region crowns.
With so many returnees and that tremendous tradition, Calhoun enters the campaign as a favorite in Region 7-AA and on the state scene.
Opening play comes Monday at home against county rival Gordon Central of 7-AAAA. The first pitch is set for 5:30 p.m.
According to Henderson, the Jackets and Warriors last faced each other in the 1997 and 1998 seasons. Calhoun swept a pair of two-game series.
This season the teams play only once.
Tremendous pitching
If pitching represents 75 to 95 percent of the game as astute observers insist, then the Jackets should be in super shape.
Two seniors lead the way: lefty Josh Smoker (6-2, 200) and righty Brodie Pullen (6-1, 190).
Smoker already has signed a scholarship with Clemson University though the pro draft in June could alter his plans. Pullen figures to continue playing somewhere after his prep days.
Those two did nearly all of the pitching as Calhoun swept five series en route to a perfect 10-0 record two years ago while capturing the state crown.
You wont find 1-2 arms any better than what we have, Henderson said. They certainly are proven.
Smoker recorded an unblemished 12-0 record as a sophomore with a mere one earned run allowed. He dropped to 7-2 last year for a 19-2 mark over the past two seasons.
Josh is a competitor, Henderson praised. He wont be satisfied with his junior year. He has a tremendous hard-breaking curve ball and a fast ball in the upper 80s and low 90s.
Pullen has compiled a similar 17-3 mark to Smoker over the past two campaigns.
Brodies a bulldog, Henderson lauded. Hell battle you from start to finish. His demeanor does not change. You cant tell if hes up by four or down by four. Hes a hard thrower who throws a slider and change-up.
Henderson stressed the necessary help behind the Big Two.
The key is developing third and fourth arms, he said. We cant depend on going one-two, one-two like we did in the state (two years ago).
Righty Charlie Culberson (6-0, 180, sr.), who has signed with Kennesaw State University as a middle infielder, and Jarrett Didrick (6-0, 195, jr.) likely will fill the No. 3 and No. 4 roles.
Otherwise, any of a half dozen hurlers could log mound time. They include Ty Frix, Walt Hammond and Josh Wyatt, juniors; and Carter Harrison, Michael Johnson and Mott Hyde, freshmen.
Hammond is the lone lefty of that group. Frix will miss early season play due to sickness.
Although Culberson is bound for Kennesaw State, the shortstop (first two years at second base) possibly will go in the pro draft.
Charlie is one of the best fielders ever to come through Calhoun High School, Henderson commended. He knows the game so well. I feel that he will have a tremendous year offensively and defensively. He did not have the offensive year last year that we had hoped, but hes gotten bigger and stronger.
Last year, Culberson batted .311 with five home runs. He hit a robust .470 as a sophomore.
Didrick led the Jackets hitters a year ago with a robust .534 average. He had 29 Runs Batted In.
Jarrett has been hitting the ball well in preseason, Henderson praised. Hes really driving it.
Brad Moss (jr.), a transfer from North Cobb where he started last spring, has the inside track as the catcher.
Brad handles the pitchers well, Henderson commended. He has quick feet with a good release and strong arm. He swings a good stick with a compact swing.
Other battle-tested veterans around the infield are Nick Davison (jr.), first base; Tre Lamb, second base; and Pullen, third base when not pitching. Lamb will miss the early part of the season if his basketball team remains alive in the state playoffs (playing tonight at Wesleyan).
Pullen batted a lusty .422 and hammered six homers last season. Wyatt figures to fill any voids at second base and third base with Harrison and Frix also at the hot corner.
Curt Welch (sr.) gets the call in center field. Harrison and Tyler Mauldin (jr.) are the leading candidates in left field.
Jeremy King (jr.) is a veteran catcher. Depth at that spot comes from Ricky Hall (soph.) and Craig Stanfield (jr.). Smoker, who batted .304 a year ago, will be ready to play first base and the outfield.
Jordan Poole (fr.) should get some time at first base.
Our defense will be as good as its ever been, Henderson praised. Our offense can be good, but our hitters must be disciplined at the plate. Our four seniors (Smoker, Pullen, Culberson and Welch) give us great leadership.
Coaching assistance comes from Michael Davis, pitching coach; Deron Walraven, hitting coach; and Ricky Ross, middle school.
Henderson and Culberson, who were ejected from Calhouns last outing a year ago in the state elimination series against Buford, both will miss the first two games as mandated by Georgia High School Association.
Defending champion Pepperell appears the biggest threat to Calhouns bid for a region title.
(Story from The Calhoun Times)
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