Weeks 3 and 4

When you think about it, the high school season typically lasts about the same time as a big leaguer could slump. About 30 games. With exception to Lakeside who is playing 59 regular season games.

As such, the injured list can have a massive impact. It’s something that isn’t mentioned enough. This year, the Devs have been majorly impacted in the early part of the season. Vincent Atkinson, a senior catcher some might call a more offensively minded catcher, had his season end when a foul ball directly impacted and broke a screw in his surgically repaired knee. “Vinnie” has stepped into a player coach roll and done well enough to notice the impact he’s had in team leadership and helping to develop the younger guys.

Sophomore Caden Collins also went down for the year before the season started with a fracture in his lower body. Freshman Catcher Evan Player who the club was very eager to see play went down with a throwing hand thumb injury just before the season started and hasn’t seen playing time yet.

The Blue Devils are now about a third of the way through their season and have begun region play due to the realignment now requiring 14 region games (45% of the allowed regular season games). The pitching outlook has begun to take shape, and a few minor tweaks to the lineup have proven to be steps that have improved the ball club.

After wins over Hardaway, Kendrick, and Shaw, the Devs find themselves atop the Region 1 – 2A standings. The first game with Carver was rescheduled to be a double header at Columbus on March 21st. In weeks 3 and 4, sandwiched in between region games was a loss to Pacelli, a loss to Central and a Split DH with Russell county for the Devs to have a record of 6-7 and region record of 3-0.

Nottleman and Griffin combined for a no hitter against Shaw, and Williams had his first complete game win over Russell County. Spivey and Randall have been going on offense. Nottleman and Miller each had home runs. Smoke Blackmon leads the team with 13 stolen bases. More from MaxPreps.

In Week Five, the varsity devs will face off with Glenwood Monday, have a region game with Jordan at Jordan Tuesday and finish with a region game against Spencer at Columbus on Friday. The JV hosts Glendwood on Tuesday and Shaw on Thursday. Freshman go to Central Monday and host Smiths Station on Saturday.