Two-time defending state champion Lowndes has recently improved its record to 10-5 and are off to a 5-1 start in Region 1-6A — which is beneficial to securing home field in the playoffs. In the span, Lowndes produced a 3-0 sweep of Richmond Hill on March 4 and then a double-header on March 7. The Vikings beat Richmond Hill 11-1 win in game one, followed by a dramatic 6-3, eight-inning victory in game two.
Brinson Rountree pitched six impressive innings with only one run allowed on a single hit, while striking out six batters. Michael Fletcher closed out the seventh inning and is a closer that deepens Lowndes rotation. Lowndes struck first in the second inning with a Noah Burnham double and Burnham was later driven home on a sacrifice fly by Heath Davis to give Lowndes a 1-0 lead. In the fourth inning, Lowndes expanded its lead with a RBI single from Westin Hancock followed by a two-run double from Matthew Herrigan to push the lead to 4-0. Coleman Lewis hit a solo home run in the fifth inning and added another home run Lewis’ in the sixth inning to put things away.
The second game of the doubleheader was more contested and Lowndes rallied with a three-run eighth inning to break a tie and claim the 6-3 victory. This extra-inning rally could be the difference between home field in the playoffs and long road trips. Lowndes followed the sweep with a 2-of-3 series win against Colquitt County. The Vikings dropped Game 1 3-2 and then scored a 6-3 victory in the third game.
In Class 6A, No. 1 ranked Etowah improved to 14-1 and has won six-straight since its 8-4 loss to North Paulding. The Eagles won that series 2-to-3. No. 2 Walton bounced back from a 4-3 loss to Cherokee by defeating the Warriors in Friday’s double-header and taking the series 2-to-3. The Raiders are 14-3 on the season. No. 3 Parkview improved to 10-3 and picked up its fourth-straight win, while improving to 3-0 in Region 7. Tift County lost two-of-three to Richmond Hill and exited the poll and East Coweta (13-2) replaced the Blue Devils to debut at No. 9.
COACHING CAROUSEL – The dust is beginning to settle as the coaching carousel approaches its spring destination and Class 6A has a much different look after the last four months. So far, Alpharetta, Berkmar, Brookwood, Central Gwinnett, Etowah, Marietta, Norcross, Parkview, Pebblebrook and South Forsyth have brought 10 coaching changes in Georgia’s top classification.
AROUND THE CLASSIFICATION BOYS – In boys soccer, No. 1 ranked Archer improved to 10-0 overall and 6-0 in Area 4 this week. The Tigers have risen to No. 6 in the latest MaxPreps National Poll and will return to the pitch tonight against host South Gwinnett.
AROUND THE CLASSIFICATION GIRLS – In girls lacrosse, West Forsyth headlines Division 3 with Walton, North Gwinnett, Cherokee, Lambert, Campbell, Alpharetta, Brookwood, Marietta and Harrison also earning spots in the latest poll. No. 1 ranked West Forsyth is 8-1 after suffering its first loss of the season, but remains 3-0 in Region 6. The Wolverines fell to Pope after a defensive battle concluded in a 0-0 tie after regulation. West Forsyth will host North Gwinnett Tuesday night in a matchup that will be a No. 1 versus No. 3. North Gwinnett’s only loss this season came on Feb. 21 to Roswell and the Bulldogs have won five-straight since, while remaining perfect against Class 6A opponents.
Loading ...
