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Kevin Carver
One county club is vying for it’s sixth 2A title, while another is fighting to claim its’ first ever title in school history.
Three years ago, a girls soccer team full of freshman and sophomores made it to the scene of Rutherford County athletics and a great impression as well at Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy. The first time I watched them play, I knew back then that this was a team which could threaten for championship. Those ladies will get that chance to play for a 1A state title this weekend in Raleigh and gives TJCA the opportunity to earn its first ever state title in any sport.
TJCA beat the Highlands 3-1, then went on the road and did the unthinkable by beating Hendersonville 2-1. This past week, they downed Bishop McGuinness and Lake Norman Charter on the road to place them into the title game. They will play the 2010 1A state champ, Southwest Onslow (14-5) on Saturday.
Thomas Jefferson’s all-time leading scorer in Anna Dedmon (eight this postseason) is a big reason why they have made it this far. However, solid defense by Victoria Bennett and Lynsie Stevens has been just as important. Courtney Flack, Rachel Tevis and Leah Lineberry have also scored goals during this postseason. Southwest Onslow has senior hot shot scorer, Jamie Berti carrying the load that the Lady Gryphons will have to keep watch of all 80 minutes.
Another Rutherford County team is also at it again, making the elite eight five of the last six seasons.
East Rutherford baseball (20-5) continues it’s march to a sixth overall 2A title as they host East Davidson at home, Tuesday (5/22/12) and then host again on Friday, should they win Tuesday. East Davidson has shown strong on the road and great pitching, winning all three playoff games as the visitors.
Wrapping up other spring sports in the playoff scene, it was R-S Central (8-17) baseball who upset Erwin and lost a tough game to Crest. Central’s Will Odom hit a home run in both contests and the Hilltoppers led most of the second round game in Boiling Springs before falling late.
Thomas Jefferson (13-10) baseball almost got their first baseball playoff victory but narrowly lost to Swain, 7-6.
In softball, R-S Central (9-11) breezed past Ashbrook, but Erwin shutout the Lady Hilltoppers in a second round loss. East Rutherford (16-6) lost a tough 1-0 first round game to Polk. Chase (15-4) just nipped round one opponent East Lincoln, but was stunned by Pisgah after a nine-run inning doomed the Lady Trojans season in the 2A playoffs.
Although, you have to be sort of impressed with the South Mountain Athletic Conference this postseason as eight of ten clubs between softball and baseball combined for an 8-2 record in the first round. Only East Rutherford baseball is left of that group now.
I maybe wrong, but the racing has been lackluster this season in NASCAR. I know we have a long way to go this season, but I said it. I talked with Aric Almirola at Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend and his hypothesis maybe right. The cars are so equal and aero sensitive that making it hard to pass maybe the best reason as to why we haven’t seen the drama we are used to in NASCAR. I am doing what all of you are doing, just taking it week by week and hopefully we will see a turn of events at the Coke 600 this weekend.
The College World Series isn‘t too far away. The NCAA baseball Tourney starts on June 1st and the boys from Boone will be invited to a regional since they have been ranked in the Top 25 all year. A big reason for Appalachian State‘s success this season comes in the form of Rutherfordton native, Ryan Arrowood. Arrowood‘s pitching has him at a 9-0 record with a 3.23 earned run average this season. He has also recorded a team high 79 strikeouts on the mound in 14 appearances.
The ACC should get eight teams or maybe more into the field with Clemson, UNC and N.C. State among those close by getting an invite.
