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“...it’s got to go down in the record books!” An Amazing Showcase!
(Raleigh, N.C.) It can’t be denied. The second and third game of the championship series at NC State’s Doak Field in Raleigh, N. C. is an outstanding example! The East Rutherford High School Cavaliers definitely proved, one again, that they set the standard for high school baseball in all of North Carolina. Coach Bobby Reynolds and his staff infuse in the Cavaliers a “can do spirit” and a “never give up attitude” which is unparalleled. What transpired as they went after their sixth state championship is a prime example.
After losing the first of the three games to Randolph County’s Randleman Tigers, 14 to 6, East Rutherford came back in the second game and put on a clinic. The game was tied up 4 to 4 in the bottom of the sixth inning. Then, the Cavaliers scored 6 runs. They won the game 10-5! The last game was to be played at 5 p.m. With a delayed start at 5:50 p.m. the third game finally got underway.
The Randleman Tigers were feeling very confident. With the score, 8-2, going into the bottom of the seventh and final inning, their fans and their dugout “duck call” players went wild. It would only take three outs and they would be the N. C. State Champs! All their hoopla soon subsided. It was almost unbelievable! The Cavaliers “can do” kids started a tremendous rally. The score was quickly changing. The “duck calls” were silenced. Their fans started to worry. They had good reason too. First, the score became 8-3, then 8-4, 8-5, 8-6 and, with two Cavaliers on base #11 Ridge Beheler came up to bat. With two outs he drove a line drive down the left field line all the way to the corner. Run number seven came across home plate. For Taylor Peyton to score, the game would be tied. Just before he got to home plate, he was tagged out by a perfect throw to the Tiger catcher. The rally was over. The game ended, one run short of a tie. Final score 8-7. The possible sixth championship for the Cavaliers was denied.
However, it was just another outstanding example . . . just another showcase of what the East Rutherford Cavaliers baseball players do best! Their team spirit and attitude has to be the envy of any sports program in the state. They exemplify good sportsmanship and define what sports should always be about. They bring success, offer a tribute and are the pride of Rutherford County, year after year. Yes, this championship game was a disappointment, but unforgettable! It was a continuance of the Cavalier “can do” spirit!
“It was a crazy ending... a fantastic finish... it has got to go down in the record books” Who said that? It was the Randleman Tigers Coach Van Hurley. A concerned man who was obviously in awe of the Cavaliers’ performance in the last inning. Yes, East Rutherford was just one step away from tying the game with a good chance of going on to win the championship. They are the “one of a kind” and original baseball “comeback kids”!
To each member of the “can do” gang, may we say, we are very proud of each of you. Thanks for great baseball, a great season, and teaching the rest of North Carolina how to set a higher standard!
For Coach Bobby Reynolds. You teach, you inspire, you raise the bar on high school baseball in North Carolina. Rutherford County is proud of you and is grateful for your continued exemplary efforts.
In the state of North Carolina, every high school baseball team wants the bragging rights that they beat the East Rutherford Cavaliers.
Most of the time they can’t brag!
Congratulations to the Randleman Tigers. We don’t have a “duck call” dugout, but we definitely are good sports and are gentlemen.
