Southerners coach: ‘We’re hungry for victory’

The 2017 season for the Southside Southerners ended with a 15-10 overall record and regional appearance, and coach Dale Dahl said they are ready to go even further in 2018. “My expectations and the team expectations are to return to postseason play, making it into the state tournament,” he said. “It’s a new season, and we’re hungry for victory.” The 2018 season, which includes the Bauxite Tournament against Stuttgart, St. Joseph and Bauxite, as well as the blended conference competition in Bald Knob, Heber Springs and Harding Academy, will provide a lot of opportunities for the Southerners to play hard, the coach said. “We have a rigorous schedule to prepare us, but we will also have some new faces in many positions and will have to find an identity,” Dahl said. The team is fairly young, and although the younger players have a lot of skill, Dahl said he recognizes the advantage seniors bring to the field. “We only have two seniors and will probably be starting a ninth-grader and three sophomores,” he said. “It does make a difference when you play a team loaded with seniors.” Seniors Dawson Cook and Marshal Wyatt will be leaders on the team. Dahl said Cook was having a great year last year with a .455 batting average, 3 doubles and 7 RBIs in four games until a torn ACL took him out. “After a year off, if Dawson Cook has a good comeback season, he has college potential,” Dahl said. “Cook is a left-handed hitter with excellent speed running the bases and covering the outfield.” Another standout from last year is Grant Patterson. As a junior in 2018, Patterson is going to be an important part of the team, the coach said. “Junior Grant Patterson was our leadoff batter and led the team in hitting as a sophomore with a .455 batting average,” Dahl said. “He led the team in stolen bases in 2017 and is an instant threat when he gets on base.” The coach said several sophomores will be key players for the Southerners in 2018. “Cole Langston has really honed his skills and is smooth in the infield,” Dahl said. “Braden Jones pitches his fastball in the upper 80s and will probably be our No. 1 on the mound. Payton Walls has grown taller and stronger; as a lefty, he will get plenty of time on the hill.” Aside from the other impressive teams in the blended conference, Dahl said, nonconference games against Clinton and Jonesboro Westside will be competitive contests. “The key to our success will depend on staying healthy,” Dahl said.