The Southern Aroostook Warriors are returning seven players from last year’s 14-2 squad, so second-year coach David Day knows his players and what they are capable of doing on the field.
A year ago, the Warriors were No. 1 in Class D, but were upset in the quarterfinals by No. 8 Woodland, 15-11. The Warriors were plagued with missed opportunities, as they stranded baserunners in all seven innings.
But, this season, the Warriors will look for a different outcome, hoping to go deeper into the playoffs, relying on their experience.
“Offensively, we like to run and create situations when on the bases,” said Day. “The past two seasons we have stolen 288 bases and have only been thrown out seven times. We will run and put pressure on our opponents to ‘make a play.’ Our pitching should be very good as long as the ‘arms’ hold out.”
According to Day, his top pitchers will be seniors Parker Walker and Gage Lefay, along with junior Josh Perrin. Others in the hill rotation will be southpaws Hunter Lawlor and Nolan Altvater.
“Parker has great control of his pitches with a decent fastball and Gage has been a pleasant surprise so far and could end up being a key pitcher down the stretch … once he gains the experience on the mound,” said Day.
Several players will be moving to different positions — depending upon the pitching rotation — this year. The Warriors also had two key graduation losses in three-year starting catcher Will McGary and a strong right-handed thrower Trent Cullinan. These two players will also be missed for their offensive prowess.
Taking a look around the horn: sophomore Nate Lilley will occupy first base, as well as catch and play third; sophomore Clay McArthur will play all outfield positions and some second base; Walker and Lefay will be rotating between pitching, catching and third base; junior Perrin, will also play shortstop, second, outfield and be on the mound; senior Austin White will man behind the plate, as well as be used wherever is necessary; Altvater will hold centerfield or play first; Hunter Lawlor will mainly anchor third base and play some outfield and junior Cory Rockwell will be in left field or be used as a designated hitter.
The defense will “depend on who we have on the hill,” Day said.
Rounding out the lineup are freshman Hunter Walker, who will see time at second or in the outfield; junior Lucas Violette will roam the outfield, along with seniors Alex White and Robert Brown. Brown will also see some infield time. Junior Chase McNally will alternate between the outfield and second base.
The areas that will Day will address with his team this season is “no one has a home.”
“We do not have the luxury of having a large roster,” he added. “We have to move everyone depending on the pitching and who are opponent is. This could come into play early because our first five games are filled with, I feel, our toughest opponents.”
The Warriors will play Hodgdon twice, Woodland, Katahdin and Fort Fairfield
“It will be a true test early to see where we are and where we need to be,” Day said. “With that said, I am very proud of my kids because knowing they are willing to play three, four, or even eight or nine different positions is a tribute to their ability and commitment.”
The Warriors are scheduled to host East Grand/GHCA today in Dyer Brook at 4 p.m. On Friday, the Warriors go to Wisdom and on Monday, they are back at home against Ashland at 4 p.m.
