This weekend, two familiar foes face off in a high-stakes matchup.
District 4-4A rivals Canyon High and West Plains will meet in the Class 4A Region I quarterfinals starting at 6 p.m. on Thursday at West Texas A&M. The Eagles and Wolves split their previous two matchups this season, with Canyon winning its home matchup 4-3 and West Plains winning 11-0.
Heading into the three-game series, both teams are ready for a close fight.
“We know these guys like the back of our hand, just like they know us,” said West Plains coach Colby Chandler. “It’s not an unknown opponent by any means. That’s what makes it an exciting series.”
West Plains' young program finding success
West Plains’ two-year baseball program has already seen success. The Wolves made the playoffs last season and improved on their third-place finish in District 4-4A by finishing second this season, one game above Canyon.
Chandler’s team has lost six games this season and are 4-0 in the playoffs, having swept Midland Greenwood and El Paso Riverside in the bi-district and area rounds. West Plains leaned on its pitching in all four games, having given up two runs in those four games.
Junior pitchers Bryton Bertrand and Ethan Bentley will start Games 1 and 2, respectively, similar to the previous two series. Bertrand has struck out 17 batters in 15 2/3 postseason innings and allowed two hits and zero runs against Riverside last Thursday. Bentley has also been dominant, having struck out 12 batters in 13 playoff innings.
“They do a good job of limiting traffic, but also staying in the zone and putting pressure on batters,” Chandler said. “That’s how we’ve won games down the stretch.”
The Wolves have plenty of reliable batters including senior infielder Bradley Cepeda, who went 3-for-3 at the plate in Game 1 of the area round series. Chandler said he also hopes to lean on senior catcher Johnny Gifford, who’s recorded a hit in three of West Plains’ four postseason games.
Gifford’s two-run home run in Game 2 of the bi-district series helped propel the Wolves to the area round, and Chandler hopes for more against Canyon.
“He’s one of the best bats in the whole state,” Chandler said. “He just finds ways to produce at the plate.”
Canyon back in the regional quarterfinals
On the other side, Canyon hopes to reach the regional semifinals for the third consecutive season. The Eagles are also 4-0 this postseason, sweeping Andrews and Clint in the bi-district and area rounds.
Canyon has also received steady pitching from their playoff starters in senior Christian McGuire and junior Colt Cruth, who have each allowed three runs this postseason. The Eagles have also leaned on sophomore closer Bayler Schilling, who’s earned two saves and a pitching win this postseason.
“They’ve all pitched quality innings,” said Canyon coach John Doan. “They’ve looked good and have electric stuff.”
McGuire and Cruth have also provided key at-bats, combining for three RBIs in Canyon’s Game 2 win over Clint last Friday. Senior infielder Sam Johnson has also been crucial, having driven in the game-winning run in Canyon’s Game 1 win against Clint last Friday.
“They’re all leaders and competitors,” Doan said. “We’ve gone deep in the playoffs because of those guys. They’re good locker room guys, culture guys, and just good for our team.”
Canyon looks to reach its goal of going four rounds deep again, while West Plains hopes to keep raising the bar of its young program. One thing is definite — both will look for local bragging rights.
“Anybody that goes out to this series can expect a lot of firepower,” Doan said. “Everyone knows what’s at stake here.”
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