Two games separate the region champion Madison County Red Raider softball team from a trip to Columbus and a shot at the state finals.
UPDATE: Madison County defeated Southwest Paulding on Wednesday 15-0; 11-2. Northwest Whitfield also won 5-0;8-4 and will face the Red Raiders' softball team on Oct. 20 at Raider field.
Madison County faces Southwest DeKalb in the first round and the first obstacle on the road to Columbus. The doubleheader was set for Wednesday and if needed a rain date was arranged for today (Thursday) at 4:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., with the if-needed third game on Friday. The games are at Raider Field.
“We are excited to be in the state tournament,” Red Raider head coach Doug Kesler said, “I don’t know a whole lot about Southwest DeKalb, but I expect them to play hard. It is going to be interesting to see.”
The 2010 Red Raider softball team earned the region title, defeating Heritage 8-0 last Thursday. Justin Poole/staff
Back-to-back Region Champions
Southwest DeKalb (15-4) is the Region 6 number four seed while Madison County (28-3) won the region title in Region 8 last Thursday over Heritage in an 8-0 outstanding show. See Region Title below.
Once Madison County advances into round two, the Red Raiders will face the winner of South Paulding (17-11) versus Northwest Whitefield (18-11). South Paulding is the Region 5 number two team and Northwest Whitefield is the number three team from Region 7.
“The girls are playing with a lot of confidence right now, but they understand we have to play the best two out of three and we are not taking anything for granted,” said Kesler.
What has been a key factor for Red Raiders’ softball this season is the aggressiveness Madison County has on the bases.
Southwest DeKalb and the remaining teams in the tournament have a lot to worry about once a Madison County player gets to first base.
“We go out and do what we do, we play our game,” Kesler said. “These girls go out and lay it on the line every week. This is a great group and you couldn’t ask for more. Everyday they are there ready to work and get better. That is our goal to get better everyday.”
While the girls on the field are doing the hitting and running, Kesler also said that the work done in the dugout and during practice has also been a key factor in the success this season.
“I have no doubt this is the best staff of assistants in the state,” he said.
Practically the unsung heroes of the team, assistant coaches Ken Morgan, Michael Thomas, Sarah Owen, and Lee Anne Austin, everyday have a job to do with the team working with the girls.
“They do a great job and deserve a lot of credit, along with the girls, for what we have been able to accomplish this year. … I am very blessed to have the staff I do,” said Kesler.
With Madison County hungry for another chance at the state finals in Columbus, after just missing out last year, the 2010 Red Raiders are staying focused and going to continue to give everything they have each time they’re on the field.
For more Madison County softball, see the Madison County Journal.
Once Madison County advances into round two, the Red Raiders will face the winner of South Paulding (17-11) versus Northwest Whitefield (18-11). South Paulding is the Region 5 number two team and Northwest Whitefield is the number three team from Region 7.
“The girls are playing with a lot of confidence right now, but they understand we have to play the best two out of three and we are not taking anything for granted,” said Kesler.
What has been a key factor for Red Raiders’ softball this season is the aggressiveness Madison County has on the bases.
Southwest DeKalb and the remaining teams in the tournament have a lot to worry about once a Madison County player gets to first base.
“We go out and do what we do, we play our game,” Kesler said. “These girls go out and lay it on the line every week. This is a great group and you couldn’t ask for more. Everyday they are there ready to work and get better. That is our goal to get better everyday.”
While the girls on the field are doing the hitting and running, Kesler also said that the work done in the dugout and during practice has also been a key factor in the success this season.
“I have no doubt this is the best staff of assistants in the state,” he said.
Practically the unsung heroes of the team, assistant coaches Ken Morgan, Michael Thomas, Sarah Owen, and Lee Anne Austin, everyday have a job to do with the team working with the girls.
“They do a great job and deserve a lot of credit, along with the girls, for what we have been able to accomplish this year. … I am very blessed to have the staff I do,” said Kesler.
With Madison County hungry for another chance at the state finals in Columbus, after just missing out last year, the 2010 Red Raiders are staying focused and going to continue to give everything they have each time they’re on the field.
For more Madison County softball, see the Madison County Journal.
Abby Atkinson (2) makes the tag at second base during the Heritage game. Justin Poole/staff
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