CLAXTON — Players, coaches and fans in Claxton are about to head into uncharted territory. Not since 1954 have the Tigers won a region championship, and nobody can remember the last time CHS made a playoff appearance.
It’s a different story in 2008.
The Tigers (19-3, 11-1 Region 3-A) split the 2008 region title with Calvary, and have steamrolled much of their competition.
They lost a coin flip against the Cavaliers and ended up with a No. 2 seed heading into the state playoffs, but — as they ended the regular season winning 13 out of the last 14 games — they have momentum on their side.
That, and they drew Baconton Charter in the first round. Tiger coach Donny Sikes feels that the No. 4 seed from Region 1-A (Bacon County) would have been a tougher draw than the No. 3 Blazers.
“We went out there and scouted them last week,” said Claxton coach Donny Sikes. “If I had to pick the top two teams (in Region 1-A), it would probably be Lanier (at) one and Bacon County (at) two. Somehow I think lately (Bacon has) had an injury or two and they haven’t played that well. They’re a four seed, and they’re probably the best four seed in the state.”
The only downside to the No. 2 seed is the fact that — should the Tigers get past No. 3 Baconton — they will likely have to travel in the second round.
They’re not too worried about that just yet.
“Coach has always taught us to go one game at a time,” said CHS pitcher/third baseman Matthew Rogers. “Take care of them, then go on to the next opponent.”
“That’s what we’ve been trying to harp on them all week,” agreed Sikes. “Just like we’ve done all year long, we’re going to take it one game at a time. Our next opponent is Baconton Charter.”
Claxton is foreign to the three-game series format, but with three reliable starting pitchers on the staff, there is not much cause for concern.
“I don’t really see it any differently,” Rogers said. “Just come out and do what we do when we play one game, and just put three together. Or put two together — then you don’t have to worry about the third one.”
Rogers (5-1) joins seniors Harley Hendrix (9-1) and Kelvin Goodson (3-1) in the pitching rotation. All three have shown that they have the ability to pitch a lot of innings.
“I want to say that 15 of our games were complete games,” said Sikes. “All three of our guys can go the distance.”
The Tigers begin their playoff journey in today’s 3 p.m. doubleheader at the Claxton Recreational Center. Game three will be played if needed on Saturday.
Matt Yogus can be reached at (912) 489-9404.
It’s a different story in 2008.
The Tigers (19-3, 11-1 Region 3-A) split the 2008 region title with Calvary, and have steamrolled much of their competition.
They lost a coin flip against the Cavaliers and ended up with a No. 2 seed heading into the state playoffs, but — as they ended the regular season winning 13 out of the last 14 games — they have momentum on their side.
That, and they drew Baconton Charter in the first round. Tiger coach Donny Sikes feels that the No. 4 seed from Region 1-A (Bacon County) would have been a tougher draw than the No. 3 Blazers.
“We went out there and scouted them last week,” said Claxton coach Donny Sikes. “If I had to pick the top two teams (in Region 1-A), it would probably be Lanier (at) one and Bacon County (at) two. Somehow I think lately (Bacon has) had an injury or two and they haven’t played that well. They’re a four seed, and they’re probably the best four seed in the state.”
The only downside to the No. 2 seed is the fact that — should the Tigers get past No. 3 Baconton — they will likely have to travel in the second round.
They’re not too worried about that just yet.
“Coach has always taught us to go one game at a time,” said CHS pitcher/third baseman Matthew Rogers. “Take care of them, then go on to the next opponent.”
“That’s what we’ve been trying to harp on them all week,” agreed Sikes. “Just like we’ve done all year long, we’re going to take it one game at a time. Our next opponent is Baconton Charter.”
Claxton is foreign to the three-game series format, but with three reliable starting pitchers on the staff, there is not much cause for concern.
“I don’t really see it any differently,” Rogers said. “Just come out and do what we do when we play one game, and just put three together. Or put two together — then you don’t have to worry about the third one.”
Rogers (5-1) joins seniors Harley Hendrix (9-1) and Kelvin Goodson (3-1) in the pitching rotation. All three have shown that they have the ability to pitch a lot of innings.
“I want to say that 15 of our games were complete games,” said Sikes. “All three of our guys can go the distance.”
The Tigers begin their playoff journey in today’s 3 p.m. doubleheader at the Claxton Recreational Center. Game three will be played if needed on Saturday.
Matt Yogus can be reached at (912) 489-9404.
