Led by senior left-hander Kyle Ottoson and senior righty Bo McLavey, the Eaton Reds are once again a favorite to win the Patriot conference. No surprise there, right?
But Eaton, which has won the league title every year since 1992 and has reached the state 3A finals 14 times since 1991, may not be the only favorite.
Conference foe Erie, an up-and-coming team, eliminated Eaton in last year’s state tournament en route to a berth in the championship game. But don’t completely count out Brush, Roosevelt or Valley, all of which should be competitive. But conference supremacy still goes through Eaton.
With seven returning starters, including standout catcher Seve Carbajal, Faith Christian will be out to prove last year wasn’t a fluke.
The defending state champions went 25-2 in 2007, including an 11-1 rout of Erie in the 3A finals.
But first things first. Winning the Metropolitan League won’t be an easy task. Expect Holy Family and Machebeuf to challenge Faith Christian for league honors. Machebeuf will be led by its trio of pitchers — Devin Priese, Stefan Backe and Matthew Lopez.
Replacing Jason Veyna, Jordan Romine and Blake Mundell won’t be an easy task for Lamar coach Dave Fassiotto, but with senior left-hander Tyler Blain and left fielder Leonel Aguilar leading the way, the Savages should have enough talent to challenge last year’s 20-win season. Lamar will face stiff competition in the Tri-Peaks Conference from La Junta and St. Mary’s in the East.
With his entire team back from last year’s Frontier Conference championship squad, Joe Stemo’s Bennett Tigers are the favorites again. But they may have to do it without senior pitcher Justin Taylor, who injured his knee during football season and hasn’t been cleared to play. Taylor’s injury could open the door for The Academy, led by senior shortstop David Bowen. Sheridan and Platte Canyon, each with a wealth of talent, could contend as well.
Class 3A
Top teams
1. Faith Christian
2. Eaton
3. Erie
4. Holy Family
5. Lamar
6. Brush
7. Roosevelt
8. Olathe
9. Bayfield
10. Bennett
Players to watch
Kyle Ottoson, Sr., Eaton, P
Seve Carbajal, Sr., Faith Christian, P
Curtis Noel, Sr., Olathe, C
Marshall Beebe, Sr., Bayfield, CF/P
Steven Ronan, Sr., Bennett, C/P
Dillon Whisman, Jr., Platte Cyn, P/C
Tyler Blain, Sr., Lamar, P
Nick Grassi, Sr., St. Mary’s, OF
Keith Carey, Sr., Ellicott, OF
David Bowen, Sr., The Academy, SS
