(From left to right) Clarke Central High School varsity baseball players Macon Davis, DJ Sumbry, Jared Manago and Asher McElhannon, seniors, stand in the A.B. Weathersby Field home dugout on Feb. 26. Sumbry was a new addition to the Gladiators roster this season but still has a close connection with the other seniors. “I’ve known most of these boys my entire life,” Sumbry said. “I’m already comfortable with them, so it’s easy to get back (on the field).” Photo by Kevin Capcha
The CCHS varsity baseball team’s four seniors will have one last rivalry battle on their home turf against Cedar Shoals High School on March 3.
On March 3, the Clarke Central High School boys varsity baseball team will host Cedar Shoals High School on CCHS’ Senior Night at 5:30 p.m. at A.B Weathersby Field.
Four CCHS varsity baseball seniors – pitcher Macon Davis, center fielders DJ Sumbry and Jared Manago and second baseman Asher McElhannon – will be honored. Tasked with leading a young Gladiators roster of 20 underclassmen, they have witnessed the program undergo a rebuild.
As Senior Night approaches, Davis has reflected upon the decline in the number of seniors in the program.
“The first Senior Night (during) my freshman year, there (were) 10-12 seniors, then three last year and (four) this year,” Davis said. “I’ve been through all those senior nights (and) I can’t believe it’s my turn now.”
“We all started in the same boat (and) we’re going to end in the same boat. (It’s) a full-circle moment for me.”
— Macon Davis,
CCHS varsity baseball pitcher
Despite there only being four seniors, their bond runs deep – formed long before they stepped foot on A.B. Weathersby Field as Gladiators. Having played together since Athens Little League, their connection makes this Senior Night especially meaningful as they close out their high school baseball career.
“I am extremely grateful to be close to the seniors,” Davis said. “We all started in the same boat (and) we’re going to end in the same boat. (It’s) a full-circle moment for me.”
Clarke Central High School varsity baseball pitcher Macon Davis, a senior, holds a baseball in his glove at the ODYSSEY Media Group’s 2024 Spring Media Day on March 14. Davis began his senior season of baseball in the spring of 2025 after playing for over 13 years. “I am bringing my close family and friends (to Senior Night) who’ve been there for me, who (have) sacrificed a lot to let me play (and) who have been there to support me every game,” Davis said. “The people that mean the most to me will be in the stands watching me.” Photo by Aza Khan
The 5-5 Gladiators will face their cross-town rival, the 0-7 CSHS Jaguars. The seniors aren’t underestimating the Jaguars, but feel confident after their 4-1 record against them in the past three seasons as they prepare for their final rivalry match.
“Every time we play (CSHS), they come ready to play (and) don’t give up,” Davis said. “I’m hoping we can match the energy (and) win.”
For CCHS head varsity baseball coach Jerry Boatner, Senior Night’s energy fuels his players’ performance, a dedication he hopes a larger crowd will repay.
“We don’t have very good student support. I think we’re fun to watch,” Boatner said. “We gonna get even better and (I hope) students come out and support us.”
