Photo by Victor Tapia
Farmer Byron Brooks waits for a pitch March 26 versus cross-lake
rival Princeton in District 13-3A competition. For additional photos
follow this link csmedia.mycapture.com/mycapture/category.asp

Farmers drop to second place in District 13-3A standings

By David Jenkins
Staff Writer

The Farmers’ hopes of an undefeated run through District 13-3A ended last week with an eight-inning 3-2 loss Friday at Princeton.

Three days earlier, Farmersville blasted Quinlan Ford 14-4.

As of March 29 they were tied with the Panthers for second at 2-1. Holding down the top spot at 3-0 was Lovejoy.

“We are still in good shape,” head coach Craig Coheley said. “I think before it is done, us, Princeton and Lovejoy will represent the district in the playoffs. In what order is to be determined. I still like our chances. We have a good and experienced club.  We just have to execute and take care of the fundamentals of the game. The kids know that. They were very disappointed in their performance versus Princeton.”

Things started on a positive note March 23 with a run-rule win over Quinlan Ford in five innings.

“I thought we hit the ball well (12 hits). We got a little ragged on defense late in the game (four errors), but sometimes that happens when you have a big lead,” Coheley said. “Byron (Brooks) hit the ball well, and the rest of the lineup all found a way to contribute.”

Byron Brooks led the onslaught with four RBIs. 

Darl Whiteaker, who allowed two runs in five innings of work, got the win.

In beating the Farmers, Princeton avenged a pair of 2009 losses.

“We had our chances versus Princeton,” Coheley said.  “Logan (Edge) pitched a great game with 13 strikeouts. We just couldn’t come up with the key hit. Part of the credit goes to Princeton. They did what they had to do to win. But on the other hand, I think we were trying too hard instead of just playing good, steady baseball. That happens sometimes. All you can do is learn from it and get better.”

The Farmers managed just three hits and allowed four.

Princeton secured the win thanks to a Matt Wingo game-clinching single in the bottom of the eighth.

Farmersville looked to get back on track March 30 in a highly anticipated home contest at home with Lovejoy. Results were unavailable at press time.

“It is not a must-win situation, but we need a victory if we are going to stay in the hunt for the district title,” Coheley said. “They have a very solid team with lots of depth. We battled them well last year, so I expect more of the same. Should make for an exciting night of baseball. I think all of the games with them carry a little more excitement. The players are looking forward to the challenge.”

Farmersville split a pair of matchups last season with the Leopards. They fell 10-3 in the first half and recovered for a 4-1 win in the second round.

Following a short break for Good Friday (April 2) the Farmers close out the first round of the 13-3A schedule April 6 against Emory Rains.

The second portion of the season commences April 9 with a home game versus Community.

Contest remaining on the schedule are: at Quinlan Ford (April 13), versus Princeton (April 16), at Lovejoy (April 20) and Emory Rains (April 23).

The regular season comes to a close April 24 in a non-district home contest with Gunter.

Subvarsity report
The junior varsity team collected a pair of wins last week over Quinlan Ford (7-4) and the Princeton Maroon (7-2).

The Farmers returned to the field March 30 for a home game with Lovejoy. Results were unavailable at press time.