Last May, the Gatewood Gators came up short of a state championship in game three of a series against Terrell Academy, but they had already exceeded many of last season’s expectations.
This year, the Gators will look to be in the mix once more for the GIAA Class AA state championship, though no doubt they will be facing tough competition again.
Gators head coach Brandon Moss said he’s excited about the young, but a veteran group of returning players he’ll have to work with.
“This year, everything seems to have found its natural order much quicker and there should be fewer growing pains. Nevertheless, there will be some ups and downs,” he said. “Those 8th graders from two years ago are now sophomores, albeit very experienced sophomores.”
Moss also pointed out the additions of Trey Wiggins and Lawson Wooten over the last couple of years, both of whom should continue to play major impact roles.
“Obviously, Trey did great last year as an All-Region player and, in my opinion, though probably a little biased, what could have been an All-State season,” Moss said. “We also have a little more depth than we’ve had, which will prove vital when the inevitable injuries come.
“But to be returning three All-State players who are all sophomores, as well as our shortstop who is moving over from second base, and our center fielder who we believe is about to have a break-out year, accompanied with some guys who should take some big steps this year in our corner outfield, we are very optimistic of the talent we have.”
As for the strengths of this year’s team, Moss complimented its multi-dimensional offense.
“We don’t lean on power to score our runs, which is a huge blessing,” he said.
Moss stressed his core group of players is getting older, stronger and better able to understand their approach to the plate. Plus, he has three very solid starting pitchers and a nice variety of relief pitchers.
As for keeping his team focused after early success, Moss gave most of the credit to the players.
“It’s hard to take credit as a coaching staff for the growth and the success of players. I do think we create an environment that pushes players to compete and maximize reps and potential, but at the end of the day the credit goes to the players,” he insisted.
Moss also said he believes good, old-fashioned hard work is responsible for how much his players have grown over the last couple of seasons.
“They know they have to compete to be in the lineup. They know they earn every at-bat they get,” he said. “It’s been proven time and again over the last two years that regardless of class or age, productive players play. They recognized this early, and with a group that’s so tightly bunched in age, the competition factor is through the roof.”
The Gators opened their season Monday night at Loganville Christian Academy, where they fell 8-7 in the first game of a home-and-home stand.
Loganville will visit Gatewood for a 5 p.m. start on Feb. 16, followed by a pair of home games on Feb. 27 and Feb. 28, versus the Stratford Eagles and Pinewood Patriots, respectively.