Since the Stump On Sports series started at Ridgeland High School in June of 2002 the Volunteer State has won five consecutive games.
But this year’s game has an added twist.
Alex Napier and Tyler Covington of Ooltewah have also been on the losing end against Tennessee in the past.
Napier (Ridgeland) and Covington (Ringgold) were on Georgia teams for the past two years in the Hardee’s Tennessee/Georgia All-star Futures Classics for sophomores and juniors.
This year these Owls will represent Tennessee after transferring to Ooltewah as seniors.
Covington said Tennessee has a better team again this year.
“ Georgia has a good team,” Covington said. “But, I think Tennessee will win. Just like when Ooltewah went down to play Gordon Lee it will be a very competitive game.”
Napier was voted the Most Valuable Player in the Futures game last season. The speedy outfielder tied an All-Star game record with three hits and reached base five times.
”I have a new perspective on the game because I’m playing with players I have not played with before,” Napier said. “I’ve played with most all the guys in Georgia at one time in my life. I don’t know many of the Tennessee guys.”
Napier said Tennessee has the most depth and will enter the game confident.
”I look forward to this game every year,” he said. “It’s awesome and brings the best in the Chattanooga area in for one game.”
A Georgia native faring well in this game for Tennessee has happened before.
In fact, Ringgold resident Bryce Thomas was representing Notre Dame in June of 2002 when the first game in the Stump On Sports series made a debut at Ridgeland.
Thomas tied the game 5-5 in the top of the seventh with a solo homer. Thomas also stole home and ended the night at shortstop by starting a nifty 6-4-3 twin-killing and was named the game’s Most Valuable Player.
The Futures game features the top sophomores and juniors from the Chattanooga area. It will be played this season at Ridgeland on June 12 at 6 p.m.
Frank Seabolt will manage the Georgia squad and John Riley will assist.
Tennessee has won the first two meetings in the series in 2005 and 2006.
Georgia Roster Seniors Classics June 11 AT & T Field 6 p.m.
1. Jake Sharrock - Gordon Lee
2. Tyler Beesley - Gordon Lee
3. Dane Anderson - Gordon Lee
4. Patrick Mattos - Gordon Lee
5. Daniel White - Gordon Lee
6. Travis Burns - Gordon Lee
7. Ryan Ellis - Gordon Lee
8. Derek Duran - Gordon Lee
9. Will Brooks - Gordon Lee
10. Matt Kolwyck - Ringgold
11. Corey McKenzie - Ringgold
12. Dexter Scudgins - LFO
13. Logan Hixson - LFO
14. Daniel Travis - LFO
15. Garrett Burgess - Northwest
16. Mark Kelly - Northwest
17. Zack Brown - Dalton
18. Brad Wilerson - Calhoun
19. Curt Welch - Calhoun
20. Brodie Pullen - Calhoun
21. CharlieCulberson - Calhoun
22. Josh Smoker - Calhoun
23. Andy Rogers - Lafayette
24. Blake Hixson - Ridgeland
25. Derek Pierce - Ridgeland
26. Jordon Dean – Dalton
Head Coach Todd Middleton NW Whitfield
Asst. Coach Greg Payne, Gordon Lee
Asst. Mike Dunfee, LaFayette
Georgia Futures Classic Roster June 12 Ridgeland High 6 p.m
1. Zack Debord - Gordon Lee
2. Clayton Chandler - Lafayette
3. Day - Trion
4. Justin Harris - Ringgold
5. Drew Walker - Ringgold
6. Rob Riley - Ringgold
7. Zack Fairchild - Ringgold
8. Matt Holden - LFO
9. Jake Jennings - LFO
10. Mark Posey - LFO
11. Cory Floyd - LFO
12. Ian Brockway - Ridgeland
13. Cody Pemberton - Ridgeland
14. Jarett Didrick - Calhoun
15. Chris Davis - Ridgeland
16. Clark Eldridge - Ridgeland
17. Gabe Hermon - LFO
18. Mitchel Arnold - Northwest
19. Jeron Hollifield - Northwest
20. Michael Simpson - Southeast
21. Garren Palmer - Dalton
22. Mackey Sheets - Dalton
23. Carter Crutchfield - Dalton
24. Ben Hawkins - Model
25. Nic Davidson - Calhoun
26. Brad Moss - Calhoun
27. Justin Caruth – Ridgeland
Head coach Frank Seabolt Boynton
Asst. Coach John Riley
Post a Comment