Postseason positioning — and more than a little pride — will be at stake in the days ahead for Jefferson’s softball team.
The Dragons (17-6-1,7-1) seek to avenge a 10-1 loss to subregion-leading North Oconee earlier this year in a Saturday rematch at North Georgia College and will try to stave off new rival Jackson County in a Sept. 29 rematch.
Jefferson beat Jackson County 5-4 in a photo finish Sept. 9, with Anna Alexander singling home the game-winning run in the bottom of the eighth.
Before reuniting with either of those foes, however, the Dragons face geographical rival East Jackson on the road Thursday. The Dragons beat the Eagles 13-1 back on Aug. 31.
The subregion slate ends Sept. 30 against Oglethorpe County.
Jefferson is trying to position itself for the Region 8-AA tournament, which begins Oct. 2.
The Dragons, who won all of nine games last year with a freshman-laden team, have been rolling lately with eight victories in their last nine games.
Jefferson went 4-1 over the weekend in the Morgan County tournament, placing first in the silver division.
The Dragons beat Monroe Area (6-0), Stephens County (16-0), Newton County (5-4) and Duluth (6-4). Jefferson’s lone loss came to Class AAAA Heritage (4-3).
Offensive highlights included two homers from Summer Bartek and a homer from Jordyn Whitfield. Bartek drove home six runs against Stephens County thanks to a 3-for-3 day at the plate.
McKinney and Perry both picked up two victories from the mound.
Prior to the weekend tournament, Jefferson moved to 7-1 in region play with a 13-3 victory over Elbert County.
Cason Anderson went 2-for-2 and drove home three runs to lead Jefferson.
Other offensive leaders were Bartek, who went 3-for-4 and drove in two runs, and Whifield, who went 3-for-4 with a double, triple and an RBI.
McDonald also went 1-for-2 and drove home two runs.
Morgan McKinney picked up the win.