Softball musings

So a few games have finally been played and while some teams are further along their schedule than others, I figure its time for some mid-season hype.

Lets start with softball and in no particular order:

Chilhowie (2-5, 0-2)

Good:  They kicked off the season with a couple of strong wins to get things rolling.

Bad:  They have lost five straight and are allowing lots of runs.  They have been outscored 59-19 in their losing streak

Coulda/Shoulda/Woulda: With games against Holston and Abingdon coming up, things certainly won't get any easier for the Warriors.  If they can take a couple over Rural Retreat and manage to get by George Wythe (their closest matched district competitor) things could turn around.  Otherwise, have a good summer.

George Wythe (6-2, 2-1)

Good: Six wins including avenging a 9 point loss to Pulaski with a 5-4 win at home.  Sitting right pretty at a tie for second place in the district with Holston.

Bad:  Holston has been a surprise this year but losing by 15 to any team in the district is humbling.  Especially considering the veterans for George Wythe and the freshmen Holston advertise.  Perhaps their is excuse is that they didn't expect Holston to be so durn good?

Coulda/Shoulda/Woulda:  Four straight district games coming up for the Maroons could dictate the rest of their season.  Three of those games include the current district powers; Patrick Henry, Northwood, and Holston.  Winning a couple of those could get the Lady Roons on the right track.

Rural Retreat (0-6, 0-2)

Good:  Runs.  Last season Rural Retreat, although winless, were winless without much to show for it.  This year they have shown that they can hang a bit.

Bad:  Still allowing too many runs.  In their 6 reported games, they have allowed 73 runs.

Coulda/Shoulda/Woulda:  With nothing but a slate of district games remaining, there is not much time left to make a mark on the season.  Chilhowie might be the Indians only chance at a W and even then it will be a tough task as the rest of the Hogo is laden with too much talent.

Patrick Henry (7-4, 1-1)

Good:  7 wins.  2 losses against two larger Tennessee schools and a split with always powerful Virginia.

Bad:  In a season where Patrick Henry was picked to rule the district, they choke to a hot Holston team and county rival.

Coulda/Shoulda/Woulda:  No reason to panic yet.  PH still has to play Northwood which will likely settle much of the dust around who is actually number one in the district.  As of right now, it is way too close to call.  But thats when its the best! Right?

Northwood (6-1, 2-0)

Good:  Undefeated in district play including wins over country rival, Chilhowie (20-5) and a monster win over fellow district frontrunner, Holston.

Bad:  There isn't much bad right now other than being shutout against Lebanon in spite of scoring a total of  86 runs in their 6 wins on the year.

Coulda/Shoulda/Woulda:  The Panthers still have to take on Patrick Henry twice which will decide who gets most of the marbles.  Northwood must also fight off the Cavs again when they roll into town next week.  Could be a good one, bring the kids.

Holston (7-1, 2-1)

Good:  A lot. Last season Holston only won 5 games.  Although a majority of them were close, this season the Lady Cavs have opened several eyes as they have stormed out open the year with 7 wins; including a huge win over last season's district champ and huge rival, PH.

Bad:  It is hard to say anything is bad about a program that has finally gotten back up on it's feet after a few cellar years.  Patience is a virtue, ask Coach Lisa Blackburn.

Coulda/Shoulda/Woulda:  Having played the three toughest teams they likely will face in the district, not including a double header with Abingdon coming up and a tour with Lebanon, it's safe to say that Holston can play with anyone they have on the calendar.  They have rematches against GW, PH, and NW as well.  If they keep playing like they have been, there is no doubt they may see some postseason play.  One chicken, two chicken... oh wait, lets not do that yet.