Clarke Central High School varsity baseball pitcher Macon Davis, a senior, pitches against Cedar Shoals High School at A.B. Weathersby Field on March 3. The Gladiators, currently ranked third in Region 8-AAAAA, last reached the AAAAA state playoffs during the 2018-19 season, but have the opportunity to change that against Winder-Barrow High School. “(This game has) major implications on the season (and) on playoffs. We haven’t had major shots at making playoffs, but with a win here, it’ll put us right where we want to be (in) the last three games,” CCHS catcher Jimmy Bishop, a sophomore, said. Photo by Ma’Kiyah Thrasher
The CCHS varsity baseball team looks to build on their four-game winning streak against Winder-Barrow High School on March 31.
On March 31, the Clarke Central High School varsity baseball team will face off against Region 8-AAAAA opponent Winder-Barrow High School at A.B. Weathersby Field at 5:55 p.m.
In their third year under CCHS head varsity baseball coach Jerry Boatner, the Gladiators are 12-11 with double the wins from the 2023-24 season. A win against WBHS would put them one win away from their first winning record since 2007, the year MaxPreps began tracking records. The idea of a winning record starkly contrasts Boatner’s 3-21 season in his first year.
“Right now, our goal is just (to) have a winning season,” Boatner said. “I feel pretty good (going against WBHS). We’ve been playing good baseball lately. I’ve been real proud of the boys.”
Despite being on a four-game win streak, the Gladiators will face a 13-5 WBHS team. The Bulldogs, who are currently ranked second in the region, will be a significant step up from their four previous opponents – whom the Gladiators outscored 50-6.
“This team is young but if you come put faith in us and show out, we’re gonna put on a show for you (against WBHS). We’re gonna give it (our) all for this school and student body,”
— Jimmy Bishop,
CCHS catcher
For CCHS varsity baseball catcher Jimmy Bishop, learning from the mistakes the team made during this winning stretch will be crucial to overcoming the jump in competition for this game.
“Dealing with adversity (is why) we’ve had a lot of bad innings throughout these four games,” Bishop said. “(We can’t) just (keep) our heads down (and get) distracted from the things that we mess up on.”
On the brink of making program history, the Gladiators hope their recent success and high stakes will rally student and community support for their upcoming home game.
“This team is young but if you come put faith in us and show out, we’re gonna put on a show for you (against WBHS). We’re gonna give it (our) all for this school and student body,” Bishop said. “We love our students (and) friends and we hope they do (too).”
