"Most of us were Sophomores and didn't play very much, but it still stung."
Salado's senior outfielder Ryan Oakes didn't mince words about why his team is so locked in this postseason. After all, the Eagles made it all the way to the finals two seasons ago before going home a runner-up.
"It left a sour taste in our mouth. . . losing in the championship like we did so we just want to get back there and avenge that loss."
Seven players from that team are still wearing Red and White today and head coach Kreece Cooper says that has everything to do with why his team is in Thursday's region final series against Jasper.
"You can't put a price on that experience. They can lead this practice by themselves. I can go sit down over there and know that things will be done the right way."
Experience has helped lead Salado past three elimination games in these playoffs and while Cooper would love for his players to give his heart a rest, he doesn't think that's happening this series.
"We saw what [Jasper] can do on offense against Robinson (a run rule elimination) so, yeah, I'd love to go out there and run rule them twice, but I think it will be another close grind it out series."
Luckily for the Eagles, that's right where they feel at home.
Salado and Jasper will play the first game of their series Thursday (5/31) in Montgomery at 7:00.
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