Sunray_FX

I also think Carthage will be favored in this one, but Andrews is my old hometown. I transferred away from there in '02 - nephews have attended HF and played baseball in the area and I am now also a SETX resident and baseball fan. This same match-up occurred in 1990, Carthage knocked out Andrews in the state semi-final, then later defeated Robstown for the Title - class 4A then. Region 1 and Andrews had much success during the years we resided there - we didn't think of ourselves as being from a weaker region. There were several deep runs later in the 90's, culminating in the '99 state tournament appearance in which Andrews defeated both Brenham and CC Calallen for the Championship. Now it's a different regime, different coach, and new people - HOF Coach Joe Ray Halsey retired from Andrews in '01. Carthage does have much more recent deep playoff experience and also a lengthy tradition of success. This will be the 5th appearance overall for Andrews at the state tournament ('69, '85, '90, '99, and '09), but it is the first trip to Austin for current head coach Rod Gardner. He is, however, a veteran coach with 600+ wins 8). In the Region 1 Final this year, a one game series at the request of Brownwood, Andrews defeated Brownwood and their highly recruited rhp Shelby Miller. Reports are that Miller has a high 90's fastball, was signed with Texas A&M but was drafted yesterday in the 1st round by St. Louis, -wow-. Maybe Miller had an off night in the Reg 1 game, there were some errors behind him. Carthage definitely favored in this one, but I will be pulling for my old hometown Mustangs. Congratulations to both teams, hopefully it will be a good game.

I am getting in toward the end of this thread but I also wanted to say thanks to Mike and SETXsports for the broadcast. Was pulling for the Dogs in this one as my nephews from HF have played with or competed against many of the Nederland players. Nothing against Brenham though, they have a quality program with much tradition. I thought the broadcast was quite objective with just a bit of underlying hope that the Dogs would come away with the win - never sensed that Nederland (or Brenham) was slighted at all. On the other hand, it's a good thing for a team to have supporters in the community willing to step to their defense (at a perceived slight or otherwise). Congratulations to both teams in representing their communities with class and great effort on the field. Mike, thanks again to you. But if we fail to thank you as much as we should, we know you can fall back on the extremely lucrative and extravagant compensation package that most high school broadcasters receive - . (something along the lines of a hot dog and maybe a free coke?)