June 10, 2013

Season Yearbook Edition

CASS HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL

Cass High School Baseball

2013 Colonels

2013

Season Record: 18-12 Sub-Region 7-AAAA South Champions Region 7-AAAA Runner-Up Advanced to GHSA Class AAAA Sweet Sixteen

Inside this issue:

Season Results Game stories

3 4
27 30

Season stats Awards Ceremony

Class of 2013 Seniors L-R: Sam Ayers, Dylan Williams, Chaz Wilson, Austin Gore

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Cass High School Baseball

Colonels fall to Troup in Sweet Sixteen matchup

The Troup Tigers scored two runs in the seventh inning against one for Cass and defeated the Colonels, 5-4, to advance to the Elite 8 round of the state high school Class AAAA baseball playoffs. Cass had scored a run in the top of the inning to go ahead but the Tigers answered to clinch the best-ofthree series with a twogame sweep. Troup had earlier won Game 1, 6-0. RBI; Dylan Williams was 1of-4 with two RBI. Hunter Southern was 2-for-3; and Morton was 2-for-3. Etheridge gave up five runs on the mound, three of them earned, while striking out eight and issuing seven bases on balls. Jarred Adams turned in seven innings of work for Troup, allowing four runs, two of them earned, and striking out 11. In the sixth, the Colonels committed two errors and helped Troup score three runs while building a comfortable 4-0 lead. The first of those runs came when Dalton Hadley scored on a single by Bo Halcomb. Winston Turner, who reached on an error, and Cody Doughman both scored on another throwing error. The Tigers added two more runs in the seventh. The results negated a solid performance by Dylan Williams, the pitching ace of the Colonels who worked seven innings, allowed five hits, gave up one earned run, and struck out nine. Garrett McClurg and Jacob Ozley combined for the shutout for Troup, allowing three hits, two walks and fanning nine. Ayers, Wilson, and Austin Gore tallied the three Cass hits. The Colonels closed the season with an 18-12 record.

Its always tough to lose, but Im proud of the way our guys competed in the postseason. We played hard. Coach Williams

TROUP 5, CASS 4
Cass struck first in the nightcap, scoring two runs in the top of the third inning and adding one run in the fifth. Troup scored one run in the fourth inning and two in the fifth. The two were tied at 3 -all after five full innings of play. Cass then added its fourth run in the top of the seventh on an RBI single by Chaz Wilson only to have the Tigers respond. Cass out hit the visitors, tallying 10 hits on the evening compared to Troups six. Both teams committed two errors. Brandon Etheridge, Sam Ayers, and Chris Morton (2), scored the Cass runs. Ayers was 2-for-3 at the plate; Wilson was 2-for-4 with an

TROUP 6, CASS 0
The Tigers played small ball and creating havoc on the base paths helped Troup defeat Cass in their first matchup. The visitors scored a run in the first, three in the sixth and two in the seventh in claiming the 6-0 victory. Troup turned to their signature style of play early in the contest, sending Adams their first base runner to second in the first innings with one out. The thievery put Adams in scoring position and he capitalized two batters later by tallying the games first run when Jacob Ozment hit an RBI single, giving the Tigers a 1-0 lead.

Cass Head Coach, Adam Williams

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http://www.cassbaseball.net

Season Yearbook

2013 Cass High School Varsity Baseball Schedule & Results

Date 18-Feb 23-Feb 26-Feb 2-Mar 4-Mar 8-Mar 11-Mar 13-Mar 19-Mar 21-Mar 22-Mar 25-Mar 2-Apr 4-Apr 5-Apr 9-Apr 11-Apr 12-Apr 16-Apr 18-Apr 19-Apr 25-Apr 25-Apr 26-Apr 03-May 03-May 08-May 08-May
*Region Games # Homeplate Classic % Military Appreciation Day at Woodland

Time 5:50 12:30 3:00 5:30 2:00 5:30 5:30 5:30 5:30 5:30 5:55 5:55 5:55 5:55 5:55 5:55 5:55 5:55 5:55 5:55 5:55 5:55 5:55 5:30 7:45 5:30 5:30 7:45 5:30 7:30

Opponent Armuchee Sonoraville # Langston Hughes # Woodland Pepperell % Woodland % Woodstock Rockmart Adairsville Adairsville Gilmer * Gilmer * Gilmer * Calhoun Pickens * Pickens * Pickens * River Ridge * River Ridge * River Ridge * Cedartown * Cedartown * Cedartown * Region Playoffs NW Whitfield Region Playoffs NW Whitfield Region Playoffs NW Whitfield State Playoffs Columbia State Playoffs Columbia State Playoffs Troup State Playoffs Troup

Location Cass Peachtree City Cass Woodland Woodland Woodstock Rockmart Cass Adairsville Cass Ellijay Cass Cass Cass Jasper Cass Woodstock Cass Woodstock Cedartown Cass Cedartown NW Whitfield NW Whitfield NW Whitfield Cass Cass Cass Cass

Results Won 6-2 Won 5-1 Won 6-2 Lost 4-9 Lost 3-8 Lost 2-4 Lost 4-7 (11 inn) Won 12-3 Won 10-0 (5 inn) Won 9-6 Won 5-3 Lost 2-7 Won 13-7 Won 12-2 (5 inn) Won 7-1 Lost 2-3 Won 15-9 Lost 0-3 Won 7-0 Lost 3-4 Won 7-1 Won 13-2 (6 inn) Won 1-0 Won 4-1 Lost 2-4 (10 inn) Lost 6-7 Won 4-2 Won 5-1 Lost 0-6 Lost 4-5

Cass sweeps Columbia in state playoffs, 4 -2 and 5-1

A pair of complete game pitching performances by Dylan Williams and Brandon Etheridge along with flawless defense and some timely hitting led the Cass Colonels to an opening round sweep of visiting Columbia, 4-2 and 5-1. The Colonels did not commit an error in the series and scored six of their nine runs with two outs. Williams struck out 12 and limited the Eagles to a pair of runs on four hits and four walks in the opener, then Etheridge struck out nine and scattered six hits and three walks to wrap up the series in two games. Cass (18-10) advances to the GHSA Class AAAA Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 2007 and will host Troup, the No. 4 seed from Region 5-AAAA on Wednesday, March 8 (starting time for the series opening doubleheader to be determined by school and GHSA officials over the weekend). Troup (17-11) won its first round series on the road in Covington by sweeping Region 8AAAAs top seed Eastside, 11-7 and 12-2. The Colonels used the momentum of their first game victory to garner a 3-0 advantage through two innings in Game 2. Cass, batting as the visiting team in the second game of the doubleheader, scored a run in the top of the first and two more in the top of the second. Williams drove in Sam Ayers for the first inning run after Ayers had walked and stole second. Then Etheridge singled home Hunter Southern and Alex Yauslin in the second frame for the early 3-0 lead. Southern had singled to reach base, while Yauslin and Chris Morton had walked to load the bases for Etheridge. The Colonels tacked on insurance runs in the fifth and seventh innings with Chaz Wilson scoring each time. Wilson doubled in the bottom of the fifth, stole third, and scored on Sam Russells RBI single to right field. In the seventh, Wilson reached on an infield single between third and short and advanced to second on a throwing error. He took third by tagging up on a foul ball pop up down the right field line behind first base and eventually scored on a wild pitch. Columbias only tally in Game 2 came in the bottom of the sixth. A walk, an infield single, and a wild pitch put runners at second and third with one out before a groundout by Harold Peterson plated Trent Nash to make the score 4-1 at the time.

2013 CASS HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL

Cass High School 1000 Colonel Way White, GA 30184 770.606.5845

CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE

Dylan Williams

Cass High School Baseball

@CassBaseball

(cont) Cass sweeps Columbia

Jalen Atterburry (7 IP, 5ER, 7H, 4BB, 6K) suffered the pitching loss for Columbia. Nash had a pair of hits in Game 2 to lead the Eagles. Keishaun Clark, Travis Taylor, Demetrius Jones, and Peterson had Columb ias other base hits. Russell (RBI) and Wilson had a pair of hits each for the Colonels. Southern, Williams (RBI), and Etheridge (2 RBI) had the other Game 2 hits for Cass. Cass scored the decisive runs of Game 1 in the bottom of the sixth aided by a defensive mistake by the Eagles. With one out in the sixth, Russell singled and was replaced by courtesy runner, Caleb Black. Southern followed with a line drive single into right field that the Columbia defender allowed to get past and roll to the right field warning track. Black scored all the way from first to give the Colonels a 3-2 lead and Southern advanced to third. Yauslin then drove home Southern with an insurance run and a 4-2 lead going to the seventh. Columbia loaded the bases in the top of the seventh on a pair of walks and a single, but Williams shut down the rally with a strike out and a ground out to short. Both of the Game 1 pitchers held their opponents scoreless through four innings. Columbia (18-6-2) took the games first lead in the top of the fifth. Tre Jester singled to open the frame and advanced to third on a two-out hit by Clark. Jester injured his leg on the play and was lifted for pinch runner, Patrick Wright, who later scored on a wild pitch. The Colonels responded with two runs in the bottom of the fifth to take their first lead of the night. Austin Gore and Chris Morton both singled with two outs and Ayers coaxed a walk to load the bases. Wilson then lined a single into centerfield that drove home Gore and Morton for a 2-1 Cass advantage. Columbia tied the score at 2-2 in the top of the sixth on a play that exhibited the Eagles pure speed. Atterburry drew a one ou t walk and was followed in the batting order by Trent Nash. With Atterburry running on the pitch and nearly to second before contact was made, Nash laid down a sacrifice bunt. As the Colonels scrambled to defend the bunt and just nip Nash for the out at first, Atterburry rounded second and third and narrowly escaped a swipe tag at the plate with a sprawling belly slide to knot the score. Jones (6 IP, 3 ER, 7H, 2BB, 1K) suffered the pitching loss for Columbia. Clark had two hits to lead the Eagles offensively. William Belcher and Jester had the visitors other Game 1 hits. Wilson (2RBI), Yauslin (RBI), Gore, Southern, Russell, Morton, and Matt Brown had one hit each in the opener for the Colonels.

Sam Ayers (left) Brandon Etheridge (right)

Colonels suffer Game 3 loss in Region Championship Series

Cass (16-10) dropped Game 3 of the Region Championship Series, 7-6, to Northwest Whitfield. The loss leaves the Colonels a No. 2 seed in the state playoffs from Region 7-AAAA. The Colonels are scheduled to host Columbia (18-4-2) in the opening Best-of-3 first round series of the GHSA Class AAAA state playoffs Friday, May 3 (time TBA). The Eagles are the No. 3 seed from Region 6-AAAA. We had our chances to win it, but give credit to Northwest Whitfield. They played hard and never gave up. Coach Adam Williams said. All three playoff games were played in Tunnel Hill. Cass had taken a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series with its 4-1 win in Game 1 Thursday. Dylan Williams, the winning and starting pitcher, struck out 14 in seven innings. The Colonels took a 1-0 lead in the first and then took the lead for good with two runs in the third. Northwest Whitfield came back with a run in its home half of the third. Cass added an insurance run in the top of the seventh. In Game 2, Cass and Northwest Whitfield were tied 2-2 after seven innings, but fell in extra innings. The Colonels didnt arrive back home until 12:30am, nearly two hours after the Bruins pushed across their winning runs in the 10 th inning. Once you win that first game, you want to finish them off in Game 2, Williams said. But that wasnt the case, which mean a deciding Game 3. It was a tough loss, but we had been playing three game series for nearly five weeks. We were confident that we could get the job done in Game 3. On Friday, around 2pm the Colonels boarded the bus one more time for Game 3, which had a 6pm start. Cass got off to a good start, building a 6-3 lead heading into the bottom of the sixth. Going to the seventh, however, the Colonels trailed by a run. We just couldnt hold the lead, Williams said. It was another tough loss, but we played hard for three games. Like I said before, we just didnt finish. While the Colonels did not win the region championship, they did finish the regular season 14-9, 8-4, and champions of 7AAAA South. Chaz Wilson, who was the starting pitcher in Game 3 against Northwest Whitfield, was the starting and winning pitcher in the Colonels final regular season game against Cedartown. Cass won that game 1 -0. He pitched into the sixth against the Bruins before being relieved with one out and runners at first and third. Wilson (5.1 IP, 6H, 5ER, 2BB, 3K), who caught both games of the extended double header the night before, was tagged with the loss.

(cont.) Colonels lose Game 3 of Region Championship Series

The Colonels led 3-2 after two innings in Game 3 and 6-3 after five, before Northwests four run sixth inning comeback, out-hit the Bruins in the contest 11-7. Dylan Williams racked up two RBIs on a pair of hits for the Colonels. He singled in the first and homered in the fifth. Chris Morton and Sam Ayers each had a pair of hits and an RBI. Hunter Southern also had two hits, while Sam Russell, Matt Brown, and Austin Gore added hits to the Cass attack. Wade Terrell got the win for the Bruins despite allowing six runs over six innings. He struck out nine, walked four and surrendered 11 hits. Cass jumped to their early lead in the top of the second with a single from Southern. Ayers singled, bringing home Brown. The Colonels pushed across more runs when Gore scored on an error and Morton scored. Northwest Whitfield took the lead in the sixth on a two-run double by Diego Peralta, a fielders choice, and an RBI single by Brandon Smith. Williams admitted that the one-run loss will sting for a while. The loss hurts, but the good news is that we will be playing at home when the state playoffs begin.

Colonels clinch 7-AAAA South title, Class AAAA state playoff berth with 1-0 shutout of Cedartown
Chaz Wilson scattered four hits and a walk with five strikeouts and shut out Cedartown with a complete game to clinch the Region 7-AAAA South championship and guarantee the Colonels a berth in the Class AAAA state playoffs. Hunter Southern had a 2-for-2 performance and drove in the games only run. Sam Russell also had two hits. Brandon Etheridge and Sam Ayers added the other Cass hits in the contest. Cedartown loaded the bases in the second inning with one out, but Wilson struck out the next two batters to end the threat. The Bulldogs did not have another base runner reach second base over the final five frames. Russell singled to lead off the Colonels second inning and Coach Adam Williams inserted Chris Morton as a courtesy runner for the catcher. Alex Yauslin laid down a sac bunt that moved Morton all the way to third, then Southern doubled on a hard ground ball over the bag at first to drive home Morton. Cass will travel to Tunnel Hill next week to face Northwest Whitfield in a best-ofthree series to determine the Region 7AAAA Championship.

Chaz Wilson

Colonels cruise past Bulldogs, 13-2

The Cass Colonels jumped out to an early lead on Cedartown and captured a 13-2 victory on Wednesday at Cedartown. Eight runs in the first three innings allowed Cass to put the game away early. An RBI triple by Chaz Wilson, an RBI double by Dylan Williams, and an RBI single by Alex Yauslin in the first inning and an RBI double by Hunter Bennett , an RBI double by Sam Ayers, and a two-run double by Wilson during the second inning supplied the early offense for Cass Colonels. Brandon Etheridge boosted his batting average thanks to a perfect 44 day at the plate to pace the Colonels. He doubled in the first and second innings and singled in the third and sixth innings. Etheridge got the win on the mound. He allowed two runs over five innings. Etheridge struck out 11, walked three and gave up seven hits.

Brandon Etheridge

Williams Ks 10, Colonels top Cedartown, 7-1

The Cass Colonels offense and some shaky Cedartown defense staked Cass starter, Dylan Williams, to an early 4-0 lead Tuesday night (April 16) and the big righty delivered with five shutout innings on the way to a Cass 7-1 victory. Williams struck out 10, allowed only one hit, and walked four while picking up his fifth win of the season. Cass sophomore reliever, Chris Hill (2 IP, 2H, 1ER, 2BB, 1K), closed out the final two frames for his first save. Cass (13-7, 6-4 in 7AAAA South) broke on top with a pair of runs in the top of the first. Brandon Etheridge led off with a single, stole second, moved to third on a ground ball and scored on a pitcher throwing error during a pickoff attempt. Sam Ayers, who advanced to second on the same play, swiped third and scored on a throwing error by the Bulldogs catcher. In all, Cedartown committed seven errors in the contest. To start the third, Ayers reached on an error, stole second, and scored on an RBI double by Williams. Ayers courtesy runner, Caleb Black, eventually scored also. Black moved over to third when a dropped third strike throw went to first to retire Sam Russell. After Alex Yauslin was hit by a pitch, he stole second. An errant throw on that stolen base allowed Black to score giving the Colonels a 4-0 lead. Cass added three insurance runs during the final two frames. Yauslin hit a solo shot to lead off the sixth and Chaz Wilson homered in the seventh. Hunter Southern added an RBI single in the seventh to round out the Colonels scoring. The Bulldogs only run came in the bottom of the sixth. Jimmy Hand doubled, but then a hit batsman and two more walks plated a run. With the bases still loaded and two out, Cass left fielder Hunter Bennett made a diving grab to end the Cedartown rally. Etheridge, Yauslin, and Southern finished the night with two hits each. Bennett also added a base hit. Kory Lindsay had two hits to lead Cedartown.

Dylan Williams and Sam Ayers

Chaz Wilson

River Ridge takes series with 4-3 win over Colonels

The Cass Colonels lost 4-3 at River Ridge Friday (April 12) despite a three-hit effort by Chris Morton. Morton had a fourth inning single and doubles in the third and seventh innings, but it wasnt enough to overcome the Knights. Ian Andrews (5 IP, 6H, 2R, 1ER, 4K) recorded the pitching win for River Ridge. Chaz Wilson (5.2 IP, 6H, 4R, 2ER, 2BB, 4K) suffered the loss. Cass reliever, Chris Hill, recorded one out in the sixth. Jackson Weeg (2 IP, 1H, 1ER, 4K), who shut out the Colonels in the first game of the series, worked the final two innings for the Knights to record a save. River Ridge (6-12, 5-4 in 7AAAA South) took a 1-0 lead in the second inning on a pair of hits. Elijah Brague tripled with one out before scoring on an Austin Stanley single. Cass responded with two runs in the third. Morton doubled, Brandon Etheridge singled, and Sam Ayers drove home Morton with a sacrifice fly. As Etheridge stole third later in the frame, he scored on a throwing error by the Knights catcher to give the Colonels a 2-1 lead. River Ridge tied the game in the bottom half of the third inning on a pair of doubles by Dalton Martin and Will Redding. They then took a 3-2 lead in the fourth and added an insurance run in the sixth to take a 4-2 advantage. The Knights fourth inning run scored following a hit batsman, a sacrifice bunt, and a throwing error as Travis Hadaway stole third. The sixth inning run scored after Will Redding walked, stole second, moved to third on a groundout, and crossed the plate on a wild pitch. Cass managed a run in the seventh. Hunter Bennett was hit by a Weeg pitch and scored on a Morton double, but Morton was tagged out trying to advance on the play and Weeg got a strikeout to close out the game. Morton (3-for-3, 1R, RBI) led the Cass offense. Hunter Southern, Etheridge, Wilson, and Bennett had the other Colonels hits. Cass (12-8, 5-4 in 7AAAA South) will travel to Cedartown for the first game in a three-game series Tuesday (April 16). The Colonels currently trail the Bulldogs (6-3 in 7AAAA South) by one game in the sub-region standings. River Ridge has a three-game series that begins Tuesday with Pickens.

Chris Morton

Etheridge, Cass shutout Knights

Brandon Etheridge threw six scoreless innings Wednesday (April 10) to lead the Cass Colonels to a 7-0 victory over River Ridge at the Cass High School Athletic Complex. The Colonels posted three runs in the bottom of the first and never looked back. The first inning runs scored on an infield RBI single by Sam Ayers and a two-run homer by Dylan Williams. Cass went up 4-0 in the third on an RBI single by Chaz Wilson and added two more runs in the fourth when Etheridge doubled to drive in a run and later scored when Ayers reached on an infield error. The Colonels added their final run in the fifth on an RBI single by Hunter Bennett. Etheridge allowed the Knights only one hit a fifth inning single by Austin Stanley -- during his six innings of work on the mound to earn the pitching win. Etheridge walked one and struck out seven. Chris Hill came in to pitch a three-up, three down seventh for the Colonels and recorded one strikeout. Sam Russell, Chris Morton, and Bennett (RBI) had two hits each to lead the offensive attack. Etheridge (RBI), Ayers (RBI), Wilson (RBI), and Williams (2 run HR) had the other Cass hits. Cass (12-7, 5-3 in 7AAAA South) will travel to Woodstock Friday (April 12) for the third game in the series at River Ridge (5-12, 4-4 in 7AAAA South). First pitch is scheduled for 5:55pm.

River Ridge stops Colonels, 3-0

The Cass Colonels lost 3-0 at River Ridge in Woodstock on Tuesday, despite outhitting River Ridge four to three. It was defensive mistakes and a pair of hits in the second inning that proved to be enough for River Ridge starter, Jackson Weeg. For the most part, Cass pitcher, Dylan Williams, handled the River Ridge lineup with ease as well. He racked up eight strikeouts and allowed just one earned run on three hits and one walk over six innings. That was enough, however, to lead to his first loss of the year. Weeg recorded the win for the Knights. He pitched seven shutout innings. Weeg struck out five, walked three and surrendered only four hits.

Sam Russell

River Ridge scored all three of their runs in the second on a pair of singles, two infield errors, and an RBI groundout by Dalton Martin. Williams, Sam Russell, Hunter Bennett, and Chris Morton had the Cass hits. Will Redding (2) and Zach Cable had River Ridge's three singles. Cass (11-7, 4-3 in 7-AAAA) will host River Ridge (5-11, 4-3) in the second game of this series Wednesday (April 10) at 5:55pm. Game 3 will be back in Woodstock on Friday (April 12). The two teams are now tied for second place in the sub-region, two games behind Cedartown (6-3 in 7AAAA) in the win column. Cedartown is idle in sub-region play this week.

Colonels slay Dragons, 15-9

In a high scoring game that saw the lead change hands three times early and the visitors come back to tie the game twice more in the middle innings, Cass held on to prevail over Pickens 15-9 Friday night (April 5) at the Cass High School Athletic Complex. Damp and cold conditions contributed to some sloppy play, mostly throwing miscues, that saw the two squads combine for eleven errors. Hitters on both sides combined for 22 hits -- including six extra base hits but it was the top of the Cass lineup that was the production difference. Sam Ayers, Brandon Etheridge, Dylan Williams, and Chaz Wilson combined for nine hits and seven RBIs to lead a 13-hit attack by Colonels. Noah Sims (2-1) got the pitching win for Cass. He allowed four runs over three innings, but only two were earned. Sims struck out two, walked one, and gave up six hits. He relieved starter Chaz Wilson (3 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 K) in the fourth. Chris Hill closed out the final inning by striking out the side. Jesse Decker, who relieved starter Chandler Cope wth one out in the third inning, suffered the pitching loss for the Dragons. Dylan Childers and Bryan Morris also pitched in relief for Pickens. Pickens (7-8, 1-5 in 7AAAA South) jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the top of the first on a catchers interference, hit batsman, two stolen bases, a throwing error, and a single by Childers. Wilson picked off a runner and struck out two to avoid an even bigger inning by the Dragons. Pickens then made it 3-0 in the top of the second following another walk, a single by Morris, two stolen bases, and another Cass throwing error. The Colonels responded in their half of the second with five runs. Catcher Sam Russell walked and his courtesy runner, Austin Gore, stole second. Hunter Bennett and Chris Morton followed with walks to load the bases, before Etheridge hit a grand slam over the 365 sign in center field to put the Colonels ahead 43. Cass added one more run in the frame with two outs. Ayers reached on a bunt single, stole second, and scored when Wilson reached safely on an error by the Dragons left fielder. Pickens tied the game in the top of the third. A walk, a single, and a hit batsman loaded the bases to start the inning. Taylor Logan and Colton Prather then drove in runs with groundouts to make it a 5-5 score. Cass put three more runs on the scoreboard in the bottom of the third. Russell and Alex Yauslin singled and Hunter Southern coaxed a base on balls to load the bases. Following a groundout force play at the plate, Yauslin scored on a wild pitch. Morton followed with a squeeze bunt that resulted in two runs. Southern scored from third and while the Dragons got their out at first base, Hunter Bennett never stopped at third and scored on a sliding play at the plate to give the Colonels an 8-5 advantage. Pickens tied the game again in the top of the fourth on a single by Eric Justice, two Cass infield errors, and a two-run triple by Dylan Clark. An RBI single by Southern put the Colonels ahead 9-8 in the bottom of the fourth, but Pickens loaded the bases again in the top of the fifth and tied the game one more time with a looping RBI single by Justice over a drawn in infield. The Colonels then got two outs on one play when Pickens missed a squeeze play bunt attempt and a pair of Dragons base runners were tagged out on rundown plays. Cass put the game away with three runs in both the fifth and sixth innings. Etheridge walked, advanced to second on a pickoff attempt error, and scored on a double by Ayers. Wilson drove in Ayers with an RBI single and his courtesy runner, Caleb Black, came around to score later on an infield throwing miscue.

(cont.) Cass 15, Pickens 9

In the sixth, three walks, a single by Williams, and three more Pickens errors plated three more Cass runs for the 15-9 decision. Justice, Childers, and Morris had two hits each for Pickens. Clark had two RBI. Wilson had three hits for the Colonels including a double and one RBI. Etheridge (grand slam, 4 RBI), Ayers (double and RBI), Williams (double and RBI), and Yauslin (RBI) had two hits apiece. Southern (RBI) and Russell had the other Cass hits. Morton added 2 RBI. Etheridge, Ayers, and Gore had stolen bases. Cass (11-6, 4-2 in 7AAAA South) starts a crucial, three-game series with River Ridge Tuesday (April 9) on the road in Woodstock. The Knights are 3-3 in 7AAAA South and still in the midst of the region playoff chase. Game 2 of the series is scheduled for Thursday (April 11) at Cass and the third game will be back at River Ridge on Friday (April 12). The Colonels remain in a virtual tie for the sub-region lead with Cedartown. The Bulldogs won two of three from Gilmer this week to improve to 13-5 overall and 6-3 in 7AAAA South. Cedartowns only remaining sub-region series is with Cass April 16, 18, and 19. They play non-region games against Chattooga and Coosa April 12 and 13. Meanwhile, Gilmer (4-5 in 7AAAA South) has a three game series next week with Pickens (1-5 in 7AAAA South).

Alex Yauslin Hunter Southern

Coach Adam Williams

Pickens edges Cass, 3-2

Sam Ayers did all he could to give the Cass Colonels a boost, but it wasn't enough to get past Pickens, as the Colonels lost 3-2 in Jasper on Wednesday. Ayers was hot from the plate for Cass. He went 2-for-4, drove in one and scored one run. Ayers singled in the first inning and hit a solo homer in the seventh inning. Brandon Etheridge (triple), Dylan Williams, and Hunter Southern had the other Cass hits. Dylan Clark hit a solo homerun in the second inning to put the Dragons ahead. They added two more runs in the fourth on a triple by Jesse Decker, an infield error, and an RBI double by Bryan Morris. Eric Justice got the win for Pickens. He allowed two runs over seven innings, struck out nine, walked three and surrendered five hits. Etheridge (6 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 6 K) suffered the pitching loss for the Colonels. Pickens evened their season mark at 7-7, 1-4 in 7-AAAA South. Cass (10-6, 3 -2) will host Pickens in Game 3 of this series Friday at 5:55pm.

Sam Ayers

Colonels stop Dragons, 7-1

Cass senior RHP, Dylan Williams, struck out fifteen Pickens Dragons Tuesday night at the Cass High School Athletic Complex to lift the Colonels to a 7-1 Region 7-AAAA victory. Williams tossed a complete game and allowed no earned runs on three hits and two walks. The Dragons averted a shutout when Cass committed three errors in the seventh -- two on one play -- that led to the only Pickens run. The Colonels opened up their big lead thanks to a dozen hits, including a pair of extra base hits. Cass scored single runs in the first two innings, two runs in both the third and fourth innings, and added another run in the fifth. Chaz Wilson drove in two runs during a 3-for-4 night with a double and Alex Yauslin tallied a pair of RBI while going 2-for-4. Williams and Sam Ayers (a double and 3 runs scored) had two hits apiece, while Brandon Etheridge (RBI), Sam Russell, and Hunter Bennett rounded out the Colonels 12-hit attack with one hit each. Zack Hermann had two of the three Pickens hits. Colton Prather added the third on a bad hop infield single in the seventh. Dylan Childers suffered the pitching loss for the Dragons (6-7, 0-4 in 7AAAA South). He was roughed up for six runs only one earned Hunter Bennett on eleven hits. Childers walked two and struck out two in four innings of work. Chandler Cope tossed the final two innings on the mound for Pickens yielding an unearned run on one hit. He also struck out two. Cass (10-5, 3-1 in 7AAAA South) will travel to Jasper Wednesday (April 3) for Game 2 of their three-game series with the Dragons. The two teams will play Game 3 in the series Friday at Cass. Both games are scheduled for 5:55pm starts.

Colonels pound Calhoun, 12-2

The Cass Colonels put together an offensive assault Friday night (March 29) and cruised to a 12-2, fiveinning victory over the visiting Calhoun Yellow Jackets. Cass fell behind 2-0 in the top of the first inning, but responded with three runs in the bottom of the frame and never looked back. Sam Russell had three hits and a pair of RBI to lead the Colonels offense. Brandon Etheridge (1 RBI) and Dylan Williams each added two hits. Sam Ayers, Chaz Wilson (1 RBI), Hunter Southern (2 RBI), Austin Gore (1 RBI), and Chris Morton (1 RBI) rounded out the Cass 12-hit attack with one hit apiece. Wilson (5 IP, 4H, 2ER, 2BB, 4K) pitched a complete game for his third win of the year on the mound. Calhoun starter, Spencer Cross (2.1 IP, 8H, 5ER, 1BB, 1K), took the loss. Brandon Potts and Avery Johnson pitched in relief for the Jackets. Calhoun (12-3) took a 2-0 first inning lead with only one bunt single. A walk, the bunt single by Nate Green, and a hit batsman loaded the bases to open the game. Wilson then got Weston McArthur Sam Russell to ground out to third for the first out of the game, but it was enough to score John Alan Kendrick from third. Brett Peek then hit a sacrifice fly to left field that scored Green before a ground out retired the side.

Brandon Etheridge

The Colonels responded in their first frame with three runs of their own. Etheridge singled, stole second and third, and scored on Wilsons single to centerfield. Williams and Russell followed with singles to load the bases before a walk to Alex Yauslin tied the game 2-2. Southern then launched a sacrifice fly to left field scoring Williams and the Colonels had taken a 3-2 advantage. That lead held until the bottom of the third when Cass added two more runs. Ayers singled and moved to third on a Williams hit. Russell then drove home Ayers with another hit to left field that advanced Williams to second. After Williams moved over to third on a fly out, Southern drove him home with a ground ball single into left field.

Dylan Williams

Cass (9-5) added a run in the fourth with only one hit. Etheridge singled into right field and then stole second. He moved to third base on a groundout by Ayers and later scored on a wild pitch. The Colonels sent eleven men to the plate in the fifth inning to close out the mercy-rule victory. Gore and Russell opened the frame with hits, but an infield error, five walks, and a hit batsman led to six Cass runs and a 12 -2 final score. Nate Green had three of Calhouns four hits. McArthur and Peek each had one RBI. The Colonels open a three-game, 7AAAA series with Pickens Tuesday (April 2) at home. They play at Pickens Thursday (April 4) and back at Cass again on Friday (April 5). All three games are scheduled for 5:55pm

Chaz Wilson

Four 2013 Colonels recognized as Perfect Game All Americans

Congratulations to four Cass Colonels, recognized as Perfect Game All Americans. Outfielder/Pitcher, Brandon Etheridge was selected as a Perfect Game USA Pre-Season High School Underclassmen AllAmerican Honorable Mention. Pitcher, Dylan Williams, was named to the Rawlings/Perfect Game USA High School Pre-Season All-American High Honorable Mention and the Southeast Region First Team. Shortstop, Sam Ayers, and catcher/first baseman/ RHP, Chaz Wilson were selected Rawlings/Perfect Game USA High School Pre-Season All-American Southeast Region Honorable Mention. Williams has committed to LSU (NCAA D-I; Southeastern Conference). Wilson has committed to Union University (NCAA D-II; Gulf South Conference), and Ayers is a Wallace State-Hanceville (Ala.) commit. (JUCO).

Chaz Wilson

Dylan Williams

Sam Ayers

Brandon Etheridge

Cass defeats Gilmer 13-7, wins opening sub-region series

The Colonels scored 13 runs in the first three innings Thursday night, then held on for a 13-7 victory over the visiting Gilmer Bobcats. The win gave Cass a 2-1 series victory over Gilmer. Cass won the series opener at home Tuesday (March 19) 5-3. Gilmer won the second game in Ellijay, 7-2 Wednesday night. Cass starting pitcher, Brandon Etheridge, struck out 11 in five innings of work to earn the win on the mound. He allowed 5 runs (4 earned) on six hits and three walks. Noah Sims, who retired the final two outs in the seventh on strikeouts with the bases loaded, picked up a save. Sophomores Chris Morton (0.1 IP, 1H, 2ER) and Chris Hill (1 IP, 3BB, 1K) also pitched for the Colonels. Gilmer starter, Shane Dale, was roughed up for 11 runs on 8 hits in only 2 and 1/3 innings of work. Chad Watkins pitched the final 3 and 2/3 innings for the Bobcats. Dylan Williams (3 RBI) and Hunter Bennett had two hits each to lead the Cass offense. Chaz Wilson (2 RBI), Sam Ayers, Etheridge (RBI), Hunter Southern, Sam Russell (RBI), and Alex Yauslin (RBI) had one hit apiece. Morton scored twice and added 2 RBI. The Colonels also swiped four bases. Colt Henderson and Sawyer Thompson led Gilmers offense with two hits each. Thompson hit a 2-run homer in the second inning. Cass (8-5, 2-1 in 7AAAA South) hosts Calhoun in a non-region matchup Monday (March 25) at 5:55pm. Gilmer (9-4, 1-2) begins a 7AAAA South, three-game series with River Ridge in Ellijay Tuesday (March 26).

Chris Hill

Noah Sims

Chris Morton

Colonels lose early lead in road contest

The Cass Colonels took an early lead at Gilmer Wednesday night, but were unable to hold on as the Bobcats scored seven runs over their final three frames to beat the Colonels 7-2 and even the two clubs threegame series at one game each. The rubber game of the 7AAAA sub-region series will be Thursday (March 21) at Cass. Held scoreless by Cass starter Chaz Wilson for the first three innings, Gilmer took the lead for good in their half of the fourth. Tucker Plouffe doubled to start the inning and Colt Henderson followed with a triple to the right centerfield gap to cut the Colonels lead to 2-1. Forrest Bramlett was then intentionally walked to put runners on the corners. When Sawyer Thompson popped out in foul ground behind first base, Henderson tagged at third and scored to tie the game at 2. A throwing error on the play allowed Bramletts courtesy runner, Garrett Rigdon, to reach third. Rigdon then scored the go-ahead run on a bunt single that was popped over the head of the Cass third basemen who was charging on the play. Wilson then recorded a strikeout and induced a fly ball to end the inning, but the Bobcats had taken a 3-2 lead. Gilmer (8-3, 1-1 in 7AAAA) struck for four more runs over the next two innings off Cass reliever, Noah Sims, to secure their 7-2 win. Cass (7-5, 1-1 in 7AAAA) took an early lead with a pair of runs in the top of the first. Brandon Etheridge singled, stole second, and scored on Wilsons RBI single. Caleb Black, a courtesy runner for Wilson, scored the other Colonels run on a two-out, RBI single by Sam Russell. Thompson (7 IP, 6H, 2ER, 2BB, 10K) was the complete game winner for the Bobcats. Plouffe had four of Gilmers eight hits. He added an RBI and scored 2 runs to lead the Bobcats offensive attack. Wilson (4 IP, 4H, 3ER, 2BB, 6K) suffered the pitching loss. Sims (2 IP, 4H, 4R, 3ER, 2BB, 2K) pitched the final two innings for Cass. Russell had two hits (RBI) for the Colonels offense. Wilson (RBI), Etheridge, Sam Ayers, and Chris Morton had one hit each.

Austin Gore

Colonels open league play with 5-3 victory

The Colonels Alex Yauslin doubled into left centerfield with one out in the bottom of the sixth inning Tuesday night (March 19) to drive home the game winning RBI as Cass held off visiting Gilmer, 5-3. Chaz Wilson doubled to lead off the sixth and was replaced by courtesy runner, Caleb Black, to start the rally. When the count to Dylan Williams went 3-0, Gilmer Coach James Plouffe elected to intentionally pass Williams. After a strike out, Yauslin delivered the timely hit on a 2-0 pitch. Black scored and Williams courtesy runner, Hunter Bennett, made it around to third. One out later, Matt Brown coaxed a walk and then Chris Morton was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to score an insurance run and provide the Colonels 5-3 margin.

Alex Yauslin

Brandon Etheridge (1 IP, 1H, 2K) worked a scoreless seventh inning in relief of Cass starter, Williams, to earn his first save of the season and lock down the Colonels win in both teams first 7-AAAA South match -up of the year. Williams (6 IP, 4H, 3ER, 5BB, 6K) picked up the pitching win while improving to 3-0. Cass took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the third. Brown singled to start the inning and Etheridge doubled to push Brown to third. Sam Ayers smashed a line drive off the glove of the Bobcats third basemen to drive in the games first run and Etheridge moved over to third. After Ayers swiped second, Wilson drove in the second Cass run with a ground out to second base. Gilmer responded to take a 3-2 lead in their next frame. A single by Tucker Plouffe and a walk to Colt Henderson preceded a three-run homer to center field by catcher, Forrest Bramlett. Another Gilmer hit by Sawyer Thompson extended the inning, but Williams halted the threat with a pair of strikeouts and got Chad Watkins to line out to first to end the inning. Williams singled to open the Cass fourth inning and his courtesy runner, Bennett, stole second. On the play, the Gilmer catcher slipped retrieving the ball and Bennett was able to advance to third. Sam Russell then responded with a sacrifice fly to right field that scored Bennett tying the game at 3-all and setting up the Colonels sixth inning heroics. Thompson had two hits to lead the Bobcats (8-3, 0-1 in 7-AAAA). Bramlett accounted for all three of Gilmers runs with his homerun. Etheridge and Williams had two hits to lead the Cass attack. Ayers (RBI), Wilson (RBI), Yauslin (RBI), and Brown had the other Colonels hits. Russell and Morton each added an RBI. Cass (7-4, 1-0 in 7-AAAA) travels to Ellijay Wednesday (March 20) for Game 2 of the three-game subregion series with Gilmer. Game 3 will be back at Cass on Thursday. Both games are scheduled for 5:55pm.

Colonels take advantage of Adairsville miscues, win 9-6.

Trailing by a run going to the top of the sixth, the Colonels took advantage of four walks, three infield errors, and a line drive single by Sam Russell to score seven times on their way to a 9-6 victory at county rival Adairsville Thursday night (March 14). The Tigers led 3-0 after three innings against Cass starting pitcher, Brandon Etheridge (5 IP, 3R, 1ER, 3H, 2BB, 8K). A walk, an infield error, and two stolen bases set up Dylan Cochrans 2-RBI single in the first for Adairsville (4-5). Tristan Smith doubled and advanced to third on a fly out in the third inning, then scored on Cochrans third RBI of the game a sac fly to right. Cass Hunter Southern drove in a run with an RBI-single in the fourth inning and Chaz Wilson singled home a run in the fifth inning to narrow the margin to 3-2 before the Colonels' seven run sixth. The big inning gave Cass a 9-3 lead. Adairsville scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth off Wilson, who worked the final two frames in relief. The Tigers used a walk, outfield error, hit batsman, and two singles to narrow the margin to 9-6. Wilson (2 IP, 3R, 2ER, 4H, 1BB, 1K) then worked a shutout seventh inning to close out the win. Adairsville pitchers limited the Colonels to only four hits. Etheridge, Wilson, Southern, and Russell had one hit and one RBI each. Dylan Williams added an RBI with a bases loaded walk. For Adairsville, Tyler Washington reached base in all four plate appearances. He had two hits and scored a pair of runs. Cochran had a hit and 3 RBI while Dakota Hines had a hit and 2 RBI for the Tigers. Cass (6-4) will begin Region 7-AAAA South sub-region play next week with a three-game series against Gilmer. The games Tuesday (March 19) and Friday (March 22) will be at home. Thursday, the Colonels will play in Ellijay at Gilmer High School. Adairsville has a weekend game with Carrollton and begins Region 5-AAA play at home Monday against Cartersville.

Matt Brown

Chaz Wilson Hunter Southern

Dylan Williams

Caleb Black

Colonels make easy work of Adairsville, 10-0

The Colonels grabbed an early lead against Adairsville Tuesday night (March 12) and starting pitcher, Dylan Williams, limited the visiting Tigers to only one hit as Cass cruised to a 10-0, five-inning victory at the Cass High School Athletic Complex. Cass tallied nine runs in the first three innings to put the game away early. Sam Ayers, who racked up three RBIs with three hits and a walk for the Colonels, scored the opening run of the game on an Adairsville infield error. Cass added four more runs in the second on an Ayers single and Chaz Wilsons two-run double. The Colonels four run third inning was highlighted by Alex Yauslins second hit of the game and two more errors by the Tigers. Cass added their final run on an RBI, infield single by Ayers that scored Brandon Etheridge for the 10-0, mercy rule decision. Williams struck out six, walked two, and allowed only one hit a bunt single by Kyle Adams that was popped over the head of charging third basement, Noah Sims, to lead off Adairsvilles third inning. Sims pitched the fifth inning for the Colonels, striking out two. Dylan Cochran (9R, 6ER, 6H, 2BB, 3K) suffered the pitching loss for the Tigers. Tristan Smith pitched the final 1 and 1/3 (1ER, 2H, 3BB, 1K). Ayers (3 hits, 3RBI, 2R, 1BB) and Yauslin (2-for-2, 2R, 1BB) led the Colonels at the plate. Etheridge (1for-3, 1R, 1RBI, 1BB), Williams (1-for-3), and Wilson (1-for-3, 2RBI) had the other Cass hits. Chris Morton and Noah Sims had 1 RBI each. Cass (5-4) and Adairsville (4-3) will play again Thursday (March 14) at Adairsville. First pitch is scheduled for 5:30pm.

Cass uses big inning to top Rockmart

The Cass Colonels used a 6-run fourth inning Friday night to surge past the Rockmart Yellow Jackets on their way to a 12-3 non-region victory at Rockmart. Sam Russell (2 RBI) and Brandon Etheridge (1 RBI) had three hits apiece to lead the Colonels offense and Chaz Wilson (5 IP, 2R, 0ER, 2H, 5BB, 5K) went the first five innings to earn the pitching victory. Dylan Williams (2 RBI) and Wilson (3 RBI) added two hits each, while Sam Ayers (2 RBI), and Chris Morton each had one hit. Morton (2 IP, 1H, 1R, 0ER, 3BB, 4K) closed out the final two innings on the mound. The Colonels took a 3-0 lead in the top of the first, but Rockmart (2-4) narrowed the lead to 3-2 in the bottom of the second before the Cass run outburst in the fourth. The Colonels added another run in the fifth and two in the seventh to put the game away. Rockmart scored its final run in the seventh. Cole Hulsey suffered the pitching loss. Hayden Graham had two of the Jackets three hits. Cass (4-4) hosts Adairsville Monday and will travel to visit the Tigers on Wednesday in a two-game, homeand-home series.

Colonels suffer tough week with three losses

Cass falls to Woodland 4-2
Chaz Wilson had a solid day at the plate and on the mound, but it wasnt enough for the Colonels to overcome Woodland, 4-2 at Woodland on Saturday (March 2). Cass (3-3) was led by a flawless day at the dish by Wilson, who went 3-for-3 against Woodland's pitching. He singled in the first, fourth, and sixth innings. Sam Ayers, who doubled in the sixth, had the only other hit for the Colonels. Wilson was a workhorse on the bump for the Colonels, but suffered the pitching loss. Wilson pitched six innings and allowed one earned run, six hits and two walks while striking out three. Luke Paterson recorded the win for Woodland. He allowed two runs over seven innings. Patterson struck out four, walked one and gave up four hits. The game was scoreless until the Colonels broke the ice with one run in the fourth. Cass scored on a groundout by Dylan Williams. Woodland didn't relinquish the lead after scoring three runs in the fifth inning when it scored on two singles. After a quick strike from the Colonels, Woodland responded with one run in the sixth, scoring on a passed ball.

PEPPERELL 8, CASS 3
A thirteen hit attack by the Pepperell Dragons was enough to overwhelm the Colonels Saturday (March 2) at the Woodland Military Appreciation Day, 8-3. Brandon Etheridge, Chaz Wilson, and Alex Yauslin had two hits each to lead the Colonels offense and a ten hit team effort, but they could not match the Dragons run production. Etheridge added a walk and scored a run. Yauslins day included a double and Wilson went 2-for-4, drove in one and scored one run with a singled in the third inning and a triple in the seventh inning. Nick Williams got the win for Pepperell. He allowed two runs over 4 1/3 innings. Williams struck out three, walked six and gave up six hits. Pepperell was sparked by Caleb Jackson and Jackie Harwell, who teamed up for five hits and three RBIs. The game's last lead went to Pepperell thanks to a second inning rally that saw three runs cross the plate on a two-run double by Bryce Adams and an RBI single by Evan Ashley. Two Colonels runs crossed the plate in the bottom half of the third, making the score 3-2. An RBI double by Sam Ayers and an RBI single by Wilson set off the Colonels rally.

(cont.) tough week

Pepperell tacked on another two runs in the fifth. Bradley Adams kicked things off with a single, scoring Zach ONeal. That was followed up by Harwell's single, bringing home Jamie Kelley. Pepperell piled on three more runs in the top of the seventh. A triple by Jackson ignited the offense,, bringing home Eric Vaughn and Williams. That was followed up with a steal of home by Jackson. The Colonels scored one run in the bottom of the seventh to cut its deficit to five on a sacrifice fly by Dylan Williams, but they would get no closer. Pepperell reliever Zach Williams ended the game by getting a strikeout. Cass starter Noah Sims (5 IP, 10H, 5R, 4ER, 1BB, 5K) suffered the pitching loss. Chris Hill (1 IP, 1H) and Chris Morton (1 IP, 2H, 3R, 2ER, 1BB, 1K) worked the final two innings in relief for the Colonels.

WOODLAND 9, CASS 4
Woodland scored six runs in the top of the seventh inning as the Wildcats rallied for a win over the Colonels at the Cass High School Athletic Complex Wednesday (February 27). The late inning outburst broke open a 3-3 game and allowed Woodlands victory although they managed only three hits in the contest. Woodland scored three runs in the first three innings to take a 3-1 lead, but Cass tied the game in the fifth on a bases loaded walk and an infield error. John Hood, who pitched the final two innings in relief for Woodland, picked up the pitching win. Brandon Etheridge (3 IP, 2H, 6R, 3ER, 5BB, 4K) took the loss in relief of starter, Dylan Williams (3.2 IP, 1H, 3R, 1ER, 5BB, 8K). Chris Hill relieved Williams in the fourth and retired one batter. Etheridge and Chaz Wilson had a double and two hits each to lead Cass hitters. Wilson, Williams, and Sam Russell each had one RBI. Hunter Southern had the only other hit for the Colonels.

Coach Kyle Clayton

Coach Tim Ayers

Coach Jamey Gaddy

Coach Matt Thompson

Trent Rolen

Colonels improve to 3-0 with win over Langston Hughes

The Cass Colonels built an early lead against the Langston Hughes Panthers of Region 3-AAAAAA, on senior Chaz Wilsons 3-run homerun, en route to a 6-2 win on Saturday at Peachtree Citys Home Plate Classic. The victory improved first-year skipper, Adam Williams, club to 3-0. It was a good day at the plate for Colonels' Brandon Etheridge. Etheridge went 2-for-4, drove in one and scored two runs. He tripled in the first inning and singled in the fifth inning. Alex Yauslin also had a pair of hits while Sam Ayers and Chris Morton added the other Colonels base knocks. Langston Hughes couldn't get anything going as long as Wilson was on the mound. Langston Hughes managed just one hit off of the Colonels' pitcher, who allowed no earned runs, walked one and struck out five during his 3 1/3 innings of work to earn the pitching victory. Wilson was forced into action on the mound when Etheridge, the games starter, injured a pitching finger with only two men retired in the bottom of the first. Sophomore Chris Hill (1IP, 2K, 2BB 0R) made his third appearance of the young season in the fifth inning as did classmate Chris Morton (2IP, 1R, 0ER, 1K, 1BB) who closed out the final two frames. Langston Hughes (1-1) pushed across one run in both the first inning and the seventh. In the first, Langston Hughes scored on a sacrifice fly by Xzavion Curry, bringing home University of Georgia signee Michael Bell. The Colonels added two more runs in the top of the fifth. The inning got off to a hot start when Etheridge singled, plating Morton. Etheridge later scored on a groundout by Cass catcher, Sam Russell. The Panthers committed all four of their errors in the game in the sixth inning, leading to another Cass score. Hunter Southern reached on an error and later crossed the plate on a miscue. After pushing across one run in the bottom of the seventh, Langston Hughes faced just a 6-2 deficit. A sacrifice fly by Curry fueled Langston Hughes' efforts for a comeback, but a great, over-the-shoulder catch by Cass left fielder Austin Gore thwarted the Panthers likely saving a pair of runs.

Chris Hill

Brandon Etheridge

Noah Sims

Ayers and Wilson celebrate HR

Colonels sweep games at Home Plate Classic

Fast starting Colonels rise past Phoenix, 5-1

Three first-inning runs helped the Colonels to a 5-1 win over the Sonoraville Phoenix at Peachtree City on Saturday at the 2013 Home Plate Classic. The Colonels were led by a flawless day at the dish by Chaz Wilson and Sam Ayers. Wilson went 3-for-3 against Sonoraville's pitching with singles in the first, third, and fifth innings to drive in a pair of runs and he stole a base. Sam Ayers was also a perfect 2-for-2 with a sac fly and 2 RBI. Chris Morton, Sam Russell, and Matt Brown had the other Cass hits Morton was in control on the mound in his relief appearance. The Phoenix managed just one hit off of Morton, who allowed no earned runs, walked none and struck out three during his two innings of work. Chris Hill also worked an inning of relief and recorded a pair of strikeouts. Noah Sims got the win for the Colonels. He allowed one run over four innings. He struck out three, walked one and scattered six hits. Sonoraville managed to score one run in the third inning on an RBI double by Thad Harris, but Cass matched it with a third inning run of their own on a sacrifice fly by Ayers. The Colonels host Woodland Tuesday, February 26 at 5:55pm and will participate in Woodland's Military Day event Saturday, March 2 with games against Pepperell (2pm) and Woodland (5:30pm).

Colonels open 2013 campaign with win over Armuchee

Five Colonels had one hit apiece and senior pitcher, Dylan Williams, struck out eight in just three innings of work as Cass started their 2013 baseball season with a 6-2 victory over the visiting Armuchee Indians. Much of the game was played in a cold, driving rain and officials stopped the contest due to rain and lightning after only five innings. Cass scored three times in the first inning and added two more in the second on their way to an early 5-0 advantage. Each club tallied a run in the fourth and Armuchee scored one more in the fifth before weather conditions halted the contest. Williams picked up the pitching victory (3IP, 0H, 0ER, 8K, 1BB) as the opening night starter and allowed only one base runner. Sophomores Chris Morton (1IP, 1H, 1ER, 2K) and Chris Hill (1IP, 2H, 1ER) worked the fourth and fifth innings, respectively. Alex Nix started on the bump for Armuchee and suffered the loss. Nix (5H, 5R, 4ER, 1BB, 3K) was relieved over the final two innings by Chad Wilson (2IP, 1R, 3BB, 3K). C.J. Lawson had two hits and drove in a run to lead the Indians. Chase Cooper had the only other Armuchee hit. Five Colonels had one hit apiece. Brandon Etheridge and Chaz Wilson each had RBI doubles. Sam Ayers (RBI), Williams, and Sam Russell (RBI) added the other hits. Morton, Ayers (2), and Hunter Bennett had stolen bases in the victory. Cass (1-0) is scheduled to travel to the Peachtree City Home Plate Classic Saturday (February 23) where they will take on Sonoraville at 12:30pm and Langston Hughes and 3pm. The Colonels return home Tuesday, February 26 to host cross-county rival, Woodland.

Four 2013 Colonels were named to the All-Region 7-AAAA First Team.
(L-R in photo to right)

CF / P Brandon Etheridge SS Sam Ayers C / P / 1B Chaz Wilson P / 1B Dylan Williams

OF Chris Morton Hon. Mention

2013 Cass Baseball varsity award winners

2013 Co-Captains
Chaz Wilson and Sam Ayers

2013 First Team All-Region 7AAAA

Brandon Etheridge, Dylan Williams, Chaz Wilson, & Sam Ayers

2013 Colonel Award Austin Gore

2013 Golden Spikes Award Dylan Williams

2013 Silver Slugger Award Chaz Wilson

2013 Scholar Athlete Award Chaz Wilson

Four Years: 4.0 GPA / 98.09 Average Career Straight As K-12

2013 Senior Awards

Each of the four seniors received a personalized photo album, a baseball shadow box, and a personalized miniature bat. Presented to: Sam Ayers, Austin Gore, Dylan Williams, and Chaz Wilson