Published: March 03, 2006 09:57 am      

Devils take to the diamond next week

Open at home against Upson-Lee

The wait is finally over if you are a Red Devil baseball fan. On Monday, Jackson will open its 2006 season against the Upson-Lee Knights at Wallace Field. Last year was a breakout year for the Red Devils as the team opened the season on a 14-game winning streak - one of the best starts in school history.

After losing only two seniors from last year’s 21-7 team the Red Devils have reloaded and are ready to make another run toward the Region 4AA championship.

Even though it may be the team’s final year playing AA baseball their opponents aren’t looking to have any mercy on them. Like the past few seasons, Jackson, along with Callaway, Pike County and Lamar County are again the front-runners to win the region title in 2006.

Last season, though, the Red Devils only managed a 2-4 record against their three rivals with both victories coming against Lamar County. Ultimately, that placed Jackson in the number three spot and on the road for the first round of the state playoffs where the team lost to Fitzgerald.

This season the Red Devils seem to have a better chance than last season – experience wise. Seven seniors and a strong class of juniors again have the Red Devils believing they can win the Region 4AA championship. And they can - if they can avoid the meaningless talk that always comes from Barnesville and the home run assault that normally associates itself with Pike County.

Then there’s Callaway – the defending Region 4AA champions. The Cavaliers always present one the best baseball programs not just in AA, but in the entire state.

For Jackson to get over this hump the Red Devils are going to have to step it up at the plate. It’s the offense that’s held the Red Devils back from further success over the past few seasons. Defensively Jackson is one of the best fundamental teams around. But, unlike football and basketball, great defense won’t lead to points on the diamond. The bats are going to have to wake up and stay alive for the entire season not just for the start like they did in 2005.

Other than the coaching staff, 2006 don’t present a lot of changes for the Red Devils. David Fletcher will take over the head coaching reigns from Bill Nelson this season. Assisting Fletcher will Charlie Biles, who won numerous championships at Henderson Middle School.

Together, Biles and Fletcher bring a two-headed attack to the program when it comes to head coaching. Both are very knowledgeable of the game and with Biles coaching most of this year’s team at the middle school level both will know what to expect from each player.

The Red Devils open the season by playing their first two games at home before hitting the road on March 3 to play cross-town rival Monticello.

First pitch Monday is scheduled for 5 p.m.