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Patriot baseball outlook optimistic
The Franklin Parish Patriots are back on the baseball field with a renewed sense of optimism and new leadership this season.
First-year head coach Lynn Middleton takes over a program that finished fourth in the district 2-4A last year. The Patriot varsity schedule has the team playing in the Mangham Tournament beginning Thursday and running through Saturday.
The Patriots will again compete with solid programs as Neville and West Ouachita are expected to be the teams to beat for the championship.
"Neville and West Ouachita have great baseball programs," Middleton said. " They have a tradition of winning and there is no reason we should not be talked about in that same sentence."
The junior varsity and freshman teams began play at the Rayville tournament yesterday.
Freshman shortstop Ethan Bass will be the go-to player for the freshman and will also see playing time for now on the varsity squad as Christian Eaton recovers from a shoulder injury and is day-to-day.
Eaton is expected to hit the ball well and be the designated hitter for Franklin Parish before heading out to the field to test the shoulder in competition.
Sophomores Nathan Gallop at third base and Michael Whitley at first base are expected to be offensive threats for the junior varsity squad. Each had breakout seasons for the freshman team last season.
Senior leadership will also be important for the Patriots on the varsity squad. Jordan Temple will be the top returning pitcher and also play third base on other days.
"Our pitching staff has to throw strikes and give our defense a chance to make plays," Middelton said. "I am not looking for spectacular plays just make normal, routine plays."
Jonathan Eaton will join his brother in the starting lineup and is one of the top returning hitters for the Patriots this year.
The Patriots have set up a website, HYPERLINK "http://www.fphsbaseball.com" www.fphsbaseball.com that will allow fans to keep up with the team all season long.
"We need to put a product on the field that the community wants to come support and rally behind," Middleton said. "I think it is very important for us to earn the respect and support of the community." |
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