Tigers, Lions cede playoff hopes in first round

Central High School in Hayneville launched the campaign to an Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 1A Area 5 state baseball title April 19, hosting Elba High School for the first round of playoff competition. The Lions fell twice to the Tigers (3-13, 5-15), ending playoffs for the season.

Head baseball coach Kenny “Tiger” Rush expressed his pride in the team which holds a 9-2 record after the losses..

“We played a wonderful season,” Rush said. “All the guys gave it all today. So, I have to say the whole team stood out today.”

The Calhoun School traveled to Florala to begin playoffs Thursday, ending the Tigers’ bid for state with two losses (0-2, 0-12) to the 20-1 Wildcats. The losses reduce Calhoun’s overall record to 10-6.

“We had a good season overall, with some ups and downs,” Allen said. “I am proud of my guys; we bounced back from a 0-4 start to finish 10-6. To me, that is something to build on for next season.”

Looking ahead, Allen said returning players will build on this year’s successes toward an even better season in 2025.

“We will lose some key players, our four seniors, but the ones who return will carry the load and put us in the driver’s seat next season,” Allen said. “We went and played a good Florala team with 9 players. That loss hurt because I knew we were better than how we played yesterday. I hate for the season to end like this, but somebody has to win and somebody has to lose. Thanks to the Calhoun Baseball Team, coaching staff, our facilities, and fans.”