Farragut goes after ‘double’
By STEVE WILLIAMS
Journal Sports Writer
Farragut High has never won a state championship in a TSSAA-sanctioned team sport. But today the school has a shot at capturing not one but two state titles.
The "double" could come in baseball and softball.
"This is an excellent way to end what has already been a good sports year for us," said Farragut principal James Bellamy. "We won district titles in football and basketball earlier. Winning both the state baseball and softball titles would be like a father having twins."
The Admirals (24-4) take on unbeaten Memphis Christian Brothers (25-0) in a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. at UT’s Lower Hudson Field. The Lady Admirals (26-1) host Gallatin (20-4) in a twinbill at 4:15 p.m. at Farragut.
Third games in the best two-out-of-three championship series will be played Wednesday, if necessary.
Farragut’s starting pitcher will be Jeff Glover, who has compiled a sparkling 14-1 record. Either Greg Schwartz (3-1) or Todd Dunning (4-1), both southpaws, could get the nod in the second game. Mike Jordan, senior relief specialist with 14 saves, will be waiting in the wings, if needed.
Memphis CBHS’s top three pitchers are Jay Rogers, Mke Bennett and Denver Dahlke.
The Lady Admirals will open with sophomore standout Missy Beard and junior Beth Chaney in the nightcap.
Both Farragut coaches, John Heatherly and Javonne Hall, expect the final step to the throne tough ones to make, but believe their teams have excellent chances of going all the way.
"I’ve had a good feeling about this team all year because they’ve got guts," Heatherly said after the Admirals eliminated Chattanooga Baylor in the semifinals last week. "I’ve seen these boys play so hard at times this season they actually had to helped to the car afterwards. When you put out that type of effort, play that hard, you’re going to win."
In the last two playoff games, the Lady Admirals knocked off two unbeaten teams - Morristown East and defending state champions Red Bank. Rhonda Snow (11 HRs) leads the team offensively.
Coach Heatherly says one of the key’s to his club’s success has been the strength of the lineup from top to bottom. "When the top of the lineup hasn’t come through, the bottom of the lineup has picked up the slack." Second baseman Kenny Woodhull, the team's leading hitter last season, bats in the ninth slot.
Admiral third baseman Craig Schnupp said he heard Heatherly tell assistant coach Herky Payne that Pat Dorwin is the "best leadoff hitter I have seen - at any level." Dorwin, a senior leftfielder and All-KIL, leads Farragut with a .425 average and topped the club in hits, runs, walks, stolen bases and on-base percentage.
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