TALLADEGA COUNTY, Ala. – It is playoff time for high school baseball across Alabama, and two teams from the south end of Talladega County are ready to take their shot at a state title as the First Round of the AHSAA playoffs gets underway today.
The Fayetteville Wolves will be at home this afternoon as they host the Verbena Red Devils in a best of three opening round series. Fayetteville earned the right to host after finishing as the Class 1A, Area 8 champion. The Wolves have been tested all season long with a tough schedule that head coach Matt Collier believes has prepared his team for this moment.
“We played a tough and challenging schedule through the year with the expectation of getting better,” Collier said. “We played several 5A and 6A teams.”
Fayetteville knows it will have its hands full with a solid Verbena squad.
“They have a good team and they are in the playoffs for a reason,” Collier said. “They have strong kids who play the game hard, so we need to bring our best every pitch. I’m excited for our guys because they are ready to compete and they have earned this. Few things are as exciting as playoff baseball.”
Game one is set for 4:30 p.m. this afternoon, with game two scheduled for 7:00 p.m. tonight. If a third game is needed, it will be played tomorrow. Fans who cannot make it out can follow the action live on MIX 106.5 and on the RadioAlabama App with Blake Bagley and Jacob Bassett on the call.
Meanwhile, the Childersburg Tigers will be on the road for their First Round matchup as they travel to take on the Thorsby Rebels. The Tigers enter the postseason as the Class 3A, Area 8 runner up and have also been battle tested throughout the regular season.
Earlier this week, head coach Will Donahoo spoke with David McCurley about his team’s mindset heading into the playoffs.
“Our guys are ready for it and they’re thankful for the opportunity,” Donahoo said. “This means a lot for the community, too.”
Donahoo knows his team will be facing a strong Thorsby lineup.
“They have a left handed pitcher and a right handed pitcher that are good,” he said. “They swing it well one through six in the order. They’ve always had a good team there and we’re looking forward to going and competing.”
Game one in Thorsby is scheduled for 5:00 p.m., with game two to follow at 7:30 p.m. If needed, a third game will be played tomorrow. Tigers fans can catch the broadcast live on KiX 100.3 and on the RadioAlabama App with David McCurley and K.J. McCurley.
