Kerr-Vance remaining obstacle in Chargers' path

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on May 18, 2018 7:38 AM

• Print
• Email

WILSON -- Wayne Country Day's senior class has been close before, only to see the door get shut too soon.

They're ready to knock it down this time.

Turned back in the final four each of the past two seasons, the Chargers seek their second state baseball title in program history.

Kerr-Vance, the reigning state champ, is the final obstacle.

Game 1 in the best-of-three N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association Class 1-A series is tonight at 6 p.m. at venerable Fleming Stadium. Game 2 is Saturday at 11 a.m. with a third game, if necessary, to follow.

"This senior class has worked so hard," Wayne Country Day head coach Michael Taylor. "It's rewarding to see them get here after coming so close the last couple of years."

Those five seniors -- Ryan Hopes, Cole Brewer, Amane Godo, Jack Talton and Ryan Smith -- are after revenge, too. The Spartans ousted the Chargers in semifinal-round play a year ago.

WCDS has flexed its offensive muscle in the postseason.

Taylor's club hammered Pungo Christian in run-rule fashion and rallied for a come-from-behind, nine-run win over Statesville Christian on Tuesday. Freshman Carnes Edmondson belted a two-run homer and Case Kermode added a three-run blast.

Neither win has satisfied Taylor.

The Chargers (18-4 overall) have yet to file a "clean worksheet, a concern that surfaced against Statesville. Three early miscues allowed the Lions to build a 3-1 lead.

"Back to the drawing board," Taylor quipped.

Coastal Conference co-champ Kerr-Vance (17-3) has hit and pitched its way past the opposition throughout the season. The Spartans bat .342 as a team and their staff of hurlers has compiled an impressive 0.85 earned run average.

And as if that isn't enough, KVA has swiped 85 bases.

Taylor describes his squad as a "close-knit" group, which shouts "Family!" each time it breaks a huddle before, during and after the game.

"State champs!" would sound great, too.