Colts at Yellow Jackets - High School Baseball Game of the Week:

Colts at Yellow Jackets - High School Baseball Game of the Week:

If runs early on this season are any indication, this game tonight between the West Jessamine Colts and the defending state champions, the Woodford County Yellow Jackets would seem to be a slug fest. Combined both teams have scored 28 runs in just two games. The Colts blanked the Casey County Rebels 18-0 in their first outing and the Yellow Jackets blanked the Grant County Braves 10-0 in their first game.

So tonight on paper seems to be one of two things, either both teams will put up runs on the board or pitching will deliver as advertised. The Yellow Jackets are returning a pitching staff that helped to capture the state championship last season. Top MLB draft prospect Clinton Hollon returns for his senior season along with fellow senior Logan Parrett. The Jackets also feature a depth of arms including junior sensations Joeseph Back and Pete Onan. 

The Colts although young do have some young guns in their lineup. Junior Jarrod Jones has Greg Maddox like control. Jones, like Maddox knows how to work pitches and paint the corners. Experienced senior pitcher Matt Yeich is also a dependable arm in the rotation. Dakota Greer returns for his junior season and has some nice movement to his pitches. Junior Daulton Peters also has some experience and will deliver when called upon although will most likely be behind the plate most of the season. 

Perhaps the sophomore class is the most talked about for the Colts. The Twins Trey and Troy Merida are great utility players. Hunter Minor is getting better and better behind the plate and has played some infield. Emerson James is solid in the outfield and Max Mahan is another one of those guys who can play many positions. 

Last but certainly not least the Colts are returning superstar Tyler Adams. The senior is on mission and is as good as they come offensively and defensively. Look for T.A. to have a great season. 

The Colts look to win a 12th regional championship this season but will have stiff competition from the Somerset teams, Danville, and East Jessamine under new head coach Kevin Clary. 

A look around the field for the Yellow Jackets promises another title run this season. The Jackets biggest problem will be getting out of the 11th region. The region is stacked this season with great teams from Lexington Catholic, Tates Creek, LCA, and a always dangerous Lafayette team. Henry Clay and Bryan Station lost a lot of leadership from last years teams. Outside of Lexington Franklin County poses minimal threat along with Scott County and Western Hills. 

The Jackets return seniors Gage Beavers, JT Oreel, and Eli Boggess who are all oven mitts in the infield. These guys don't allow many ground balls or line drives to escape them. In the outfield seniors Brandon Varble and Thomas Hickman cover a lot of ground. Super sophomore Daulton Rose is also a great defender with a solid arm.  

In all the Jackets are senior heavy and experienced driven. These guys are hungry for another state title run. Only time will tell.

Here is the early season state rankings by the coaches:

1. Woodford Co (12)                           14. Male

2. Henderson Co (1)                           15. West Jessamine

3. PRP (2)                                           16. Russell Co

4. Tates Creek                                    17. Muhlenberg Co

5. Lexington Catholic                         18. Union

6. St X                                                19. Ashaland Blazer

7.Newport Central Cath                     20. Lone Oak

8. Lafayette                                      21. Madison Central

9. Central Hardin                              22. Davies Co

10. Harrison Co                                23. Collins

11. Trinity - Lou                                24. Bowling Green

12. Lexington Christian                     25. Bishop Brossart

13. PLD

See you at the ballpark - William Warfield iHigh.com