Eagles churn out another playoff run

Team Roster: Micah Mitchell, John Primm, Braeden Riley, Reese Winters, Charles Odom, Tyler Allison, Justin Ellis, Wade Lilley, Brandon Barclay, Taylor Thompson, Caleb Hadnot, Trey Ford, Jason Guinn, Jarvis Barlow, Brian MacGinnis, Bryan Taylor, Paul Price, Cody Butler Coaches: Neil Hennigan, Joe Wilroy, Reggie Williams and Derrick Hennigan Photo courtesy of Dana Pate

Woodville's run through the Class 2A playoffs came to a crushing halt last week but the Eagles will walk away with fond memories of the 2007 season.

The Eagles entered the Regional final series with Hooks sporting a 16-game winning streak only to see that end against the same team, which eliminated Buna the week before.

Woodville's Braeden Riley and senior pitcher Reese Winters were both starters on that championship team two years ago. Woodville coach Neil Hennigan told them before this season he expected a slow start.

"This was a rebuilding year," said Hennigan, who lost seven seniors from last season. "I told them we have a lot of green players and that it would take time."

The winning streak included a 10-0, five-inning victory over Nacogdoches Central Heights, which entered that game undefeated in District 23-2A play.

The Eagles continued that streak to win a share of the district title with Central Heights and six playoff games.

Catcher Trey Ford was the only other starter to return with Riley and Winters. Other seniors from the team two years ago are centerfielder Paul Price and second baseman Brian MacGinnis.

Woodville's trip through the Class 2A playoff started in earnest when the Eagles faced off against rival Hemphill in the playoffs.

It would mark the second straight season in which Woodville and Hemphill met in the playoffs.

Led by the arm of Reese Winters, the Eagles were able to gain control of the game and a 5-2 victory over Hemphill in the first game.

Woodville pitcher Reese Winters started the game with a lack of control, throwing a few wild pitches and walking four people in the first two innings. But he quickly took the game over after that.

"Reese is always like that," said Woodville coach Neil Hennigan of Winters' slow start. "You have to get to him early if you're going to get to him at all."

Winters ended the game with 14 strikeouts and didn't allow a hit after the third inning.

The Eagles finished off Hemphill the following night to advance to take on Quitman in the next round.

Woodville started strong and fast against Quitman and scored a 10-0 victory.

The Eagles finished off Quitman by capturing game two 4-3 and moving on in the playoffs.

Hennigan said he was going to send home Hadnot no matter where the bunt went. Quitman (17-16) had already committed five errors, so Hennigan said he wanted to coax another wild throw in the wet and rainy conditions.

The bunt was one of only two hits for Woodville against Quitman starter Hayes Peckham. Paul Price drove in two runs with a double in the third inning.

Not until the sixth inning could Quitman do much of anything against Woodville starter Reese Winters, who retired the first 15 batters.

Woodville's 3-0 lead evaporated in the sixth when a single, a double and two errors led to three runs for Quitman.

Woodville's Trey Ford led off the bottom of the inning with a walk and was replaced by Hadnot. Jarvis Barlow bunted Hadnot to second, and he scored after Butler's bunt.

Braeden Riley pitched the final inning in relief of the left-handed Winters, who struck out 10 in six innings. Riley allowed a one-out single in the seventh but retired the next two batters.

But the Eagles attempt at another state championship ended at the hands of Hooks, who swept Woodville out of the playoffs.