About The Monroe County reporter. (Forsyth, Ga.) 1972-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 27, 2008)
PAGE 2B February 27, 2008 ^Reporter Bulldogs brace for tough season It may not exactly be David and Goliath, but it’s pretty darn close. With early opponents like Warner Robins, North Gwinnett and Vidalia, the Bulldogs might feel like they’re facing the giants. But, Coach Robert Fitzpatrick says they have the athletes to take on any giant that comes their way. And there will be plenty of them. MP returns most of their starters this year, only losing two seniors to graduation. Add to the mix some strong freshmen and they might have what it takes come playoff time. But getting there may be a bloody battle. The Bulldogs face a tough non-region schedule. But, Fitzpatrick says that’s by design “We have a tough region. Our non-region schedule will get us ready when it comes crunch time,” said Fitzpatrick. The Bulldogs’ home opener is against Warner Robins (AAAAA). They have to play them on the road two days later. The Dogs will also be traveling to North Gwinnett, who were division AAAAA runners-up last season. “We have a tough schedule this year, no doubt. We might get knocked around a bit, but we’re trying to play the best competition we can play to get ready for region,” says Fitzpatrick. “Come region time, we should be ready. If we come out struggling a little early, I want them to know it’s being done for a reason.” Fitzpatrick says the tough non region schedule will allow MP to see some quality arms leading up to region play. “I believe we can play with these guys,” says Fitzpatrick. “I think we’re going to be able to hit with anybody, more so this year than any year. We have 13 pretty good athletes with good solid baseball backgrounds. They’ve worked hard to get to this situation.” He says his line-up is deep and strong. He also says the defense will be hard to penetrate. The Bulldogs will be anchored at the plate by Jonathan Herndon and senior Kaleb Johnson, along with all-region team members from 2007, Andrew Arp and Jamie McMillan, who were the top two hitters last year. “We also have to play solid defense,” says Fitzpatrick. “I real ly think our biggest strength is probably our defense.” But, ultimately it will come down to pitching, says Fitzpatrick. The team will be counting on vet eran pitcher Jonathan Herndon to take the lead. In July Herndon had surgery on his right elbow after a summer ball injury, but says he is feeling great now and feel ready for a tough season. “I think we’ve got a good group of guys. We have the chance to go deep into the playoffs this year,” said Herndon. Already signed with Reinhardt College to play baseball next year, Herndon says the tough schedule will help the Dogs improve each week in order to stay strong when it comes to region play. “We’ll be more prepared,” Herndon said. Also expect to see more of Andrew Arp on the mound. “He’s a guy we didn’t use too much last year but we’re going to have to use him more this yea,” said Fitzpatrick. “He’s a smart kid. You can put him anywhere and he will come through.” Fitzpatrick’s team also has some young blood. Four fresh man made the varsity squad this season and Fitzpatrick says they are expecting great things from them. “We’ve got a good group of fresh men coming in,” says Fitzpatrick. “We will be utilizing some of the younger arms, including Kenny Peterman, Cory Adkins and Jacob Justice. “These kids are young but they have some baseball smarts,” said Fitzpatrick. “Of course, this is var sity. It’s a whole other level. They’re going to have to work hard.” Coach Fitzpatrick and the play ers say they are excited about the season and look forward to taking on some of the tougher teams. “We’ve got some talented kids and I think the program’s going in the right direction,” said Fitzpatrick. The season opens at home with a double-header against Warner Robin Thursday. The junior varsity plays at 4:30 p.m. and varsity begins at 7 p.m. A United States Marine honor guard will act as honorary cap tains and will accompany Coach Fitzpatrick on the field prior to the game. The first pitch will thrown out by major-leaguer Todd Green. Green went to Georgia Southern with Fitzpatrick. He played major league baseball for 11 years, most recently with the San Francisco Giants in 2006. He is currently a scout for the San Diego Padres. LEFT: Kaleb Joseph waits at third base. Joseph is one of the strongest and most con sistent players on the team. He should step up and be come one of the leaders this year. RIGHT: Andrew Arp looks for the pitch. Arp is the most versatile players. Look for him at shortstop and on the mound. He is also one of the top hitters. BELOW: Courtney Brown waits on deck. As one of the seniors, Brown is ready to step into his leadership role. Pitcher JAy Williams and catcher Jamie McMillan have a chat at the mound. Freshman pitcher Jacob Justice warms up. Photos by Porn Manillas
