Q: What do you want your team's identity to be?
This team is a little different than the teams we've had in the past. They love to compete. They look for tough competition, they don't run from it. They're confident in their athletic abilities and what they bring to the field. We have a lot of team chemistry and a lot of great kids in the locker room, so I really think this group has a chance to do something special.
Q: What's this year's senior class meant to your program?
We've accomplished some pretty cool things during their time here. They're great leaders and great students, and they set great examples for our younger kids to follow. I'm expecting them to continue what they've been doing for the last couple years, and I'm excited to have a chance to send them out on a high note.
Q: Who will be the primary contributors on this year's team?
I think Dylan (Wallace) and Eli (Lowery) are really two great leaders that we're counting on to do what they've done in the past and even more. Eli is a big difference maker with the bat, and Dylan gets it done both with the bat and on the mound. This is JR Rogers' first year here, but I've been really pleased with the way he's working. He's got a lot of power at the plate, and he's got a lot of those leadership qualities that you like to see from your seniors as well.
Q: This district is as about as tough as it gets. How do you think your team stacks up this year?
I think that until somebody knocks Sumrall off from the top, you have to kind of look at them as the favorites because of what they've been able to accomplish. Last year we finished second after a pretty competitive race for second place against Purvis and Poplarville, and I really feel like it should be the same four teams battling it out at the top of the standings. That being said, Forrest County AHS and Lawrence County can come in and knock you off at any time. Our district is kind of like the SEC in that you have to bring your best game to the field every day, or else somebody will slip up and beat you.
Q: You guys have taken an active role in advocating for Davis Herring in his fight against cancer. What does it mean for you and your players to just be able to rally around him?
Our team as a whole, from seventh grade through 12th, has really embraced the chance to support him in what he's going through. I wouldn't say that our guys are necessarily working any harder than they would have otherwise, but it really puts some things in perspective in a way that most 15-18 year olds just don't get the opportunity to see, so I think that's really special for them. Davis is a fighter. I know he's going to come out on top of this, and I can't wait to see him back in that locker room every day.
