FAYETTEVILLE, Ala. — The Fayetteville Wolves are headed to the state championship after a dominant semifinal sweep of University Charter School on Thursday, May 14, at Tartt Field on the campus of the University of West Alabama.
Broadcast live on MIX 106.5 and the Fayetteville Sports Network, the Wolves controlled the series from start to finish, outscoring the Blazers 21-4 across the two games to punch their ticket to Oxford next week with a chance to bring home a state title.
Fayetteville wasted no time setting the tone in Game 1. The Wolves exploded for five runs in the first inning, capitalizing on walks and defensive miscues by the Blazers while adding timely hits to build an early lead they would never surrender. Senior Ethan Jones got the start on the mound and delivered another steady performance in a big moment. Jones pitched four innings, allowing just three hits and two earned runs while helping keep the Blazers off balance throughout the game. Jackson Payton and Carter Goins combined to finish things off in relief.
After the game, Fayetteville coach Matt Collier praised the senior’s approach on the mound.
“Ethan has pitched in several big games for us over the years and this one was one of the biggest,” Collier said. “I saw his focus before the game and knew he was going to go out and handle his job well, and that’s exactly what he did.”
At the plate, Fayetteville’s offense stayed aggressive all afternoon. Brenton Cantrell, Connor Crumpton, Adan Hernandez, Eli Burns, and Carter Goins all recorded hits in the win. Burns, Hernandez, and Goins combined for 10 RBIs, providing production throughout the lineup.
“We did a nice job of showing patience at the plate and not forcing ourselves to chase pitches,” Collier said. “We took our walks, got hits when we needed them, and ran the bases aggressively. To know that the 6, 7, and 8 batters in our lineup produced 10 total RBIs is encouraging.”
Game 2 brought more of the same from the Wolves, led by a memorable performance from Jones at the plate. The senior blasted two home runs, including one in the bottom of the first inning that immediately gave Fayetteville the momentum.
“Those were two of the farthest balls I’ve seen hit at the high school level and it gave our guys a lot of energy,” Collier said.
Brenton Cantrell got the start in Game 2 and continued Fayetteville’s strong pitching throughout the series. Cantrell worked 4 2/3 innings, allowing just five hits and one earned run before Jones came on to close out the victory on the mound. Fayetteville once again received contributions throughout the lineup with timely hits, patient at bats, and aggressive base running helping secure the 7-1 victory and the series sweep.
Following the win, Collier reflected on what the moment means for the program and community.
“I am so happy for everyone involved,” Collier said. “It has truly taken a village to get here and I can’t thank these players, parents, coaches, fans, our administration, and everyone enough. We had players before that helped us build for this and they are as much a part of it as anyone. While we’re happy and have a lot to celebrate, we’ll be sure to do that, but our job is not finished and we still have work to do.”
The Wolves will now play for the Class 1A state championship next week against the winner of the Appalachian and Hubbertville series. Game 1 is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, at 2:00 p.m. at Choccolocco Park in Oxford. Game 2 will be played Thursday, May 21, at 4:00 p.m. at Jacksonville State University, with Game 3, if necessary, immediately following.
