The Jefferson Dragons had an excellent regular season, albeit a rough start. At the beginning of the season, the Diamond Dragons lost three of their first four games. It was not until the first region game against Social Circle that Jefferson began a 16-win streak.
According to head coach Tommy Knight, after securing their playoff spot the team decided to attempt going undefeated in region play. It appeared that goal was within reach until the team fell to Towns County, April 29. Knight has said on many occasions that in baseball anything can happen.
“I think the guys learned a lesson. We played well on Friday [against Athens Academy] and practice was good,” said Knight.
Bouncing back from the loss to Towns County, the Dragons ended the regular season on a win against Athens Academy last Friday, May 2.
ATHENS ACADEMY
Jefferson won 7-1 over Athens Academy with Cameron Blinn starting on the mound and Chris Beck coming in for the save. Blinn pitched four innings and threw five strikeouts; Beck pitched the remaining three innings and threw six strikeouts.
At the plate, Lucas Redd hit a homerun in the sixth inning. Tyler Hill had three RBIs, the most of the game.
“We did a better job of swinging the bat and played pretty good defense too,” said Knight. “I was pleased with how we played.”
Jefferson took an early lead scoring two runs in the first inning. Athens Academy held the Dragons until the fourth inning, Jefferson put another run on the board making the score 3-1. The Dragons did not get another multiple run inning until the seventh, scoring three runs to end the game 7-1.
ROUND ONE
Trion is the fourth ranked team in 6-A, but the Dragons have learned their lesson about underestimating an opponent after Towns County. Knight said that the Dragons were going to get in some practice and be ready for Friday.
Trion’s regular season record is 7-16 overall and 4-6 in region play.
According to the GHSA website, Trion has allowed over 200 runs during the regular season and averages about five runs of their own per game. Jefferson has only allowed 62 runs during the season and averages about 10 runs per game.
The first game starts at 4:30 p.m. and the second game is scheduled for 7 p.m., Friday. On Saturday, if a third game is needed the game will start at 1 p.m.
Knight said that no matter the records or the averages a team still has to be pretty good to get to the playoffs and hopefully, Jefferson will stick around a while in the playoffs.
If the Dragons defeat Trion, the second round of the playoffs will also be at home for Jefferson, against either Eagles Landing Christian or Georgia Military, May 14.
ALL REGION TEAM
The Diamond Dragons has 10 players on the 2008 Region 8A All Region teams and Knight is the head coach of the year with Andy Fowler being Knight’s assistant of the year.
Jake Fields was named the infielder of the year; Beck is the pitcher of the year; Chase Harris is catcher of the year. Other Jefferson Dragons named to the All Region team include Blinn, Hill, Redd, Blaine Skaggs, Jed Gurley, and Anthony Dowker.
