Cobden baseball expects to rely on underclassmen

The Cobden High School baseball team will depend on underclassmen for success this spring.

“Once we get by our three seniors and one junior, we’ll have to count on our underclassmen,” Cobden head coach Blayne Smith said. “But I think we’ll be competitive.”

The Appleknockers finished 10-3 in the fall and  return all three senior starters.

The senior trio includes catcher Aaron Cerny, pitcher/shortstop Alex Sweitzer and pitcher/shortstop/center fielder Steve Draper.

The lone junior is shortstop/center fielder Robby Lehr.

Sophomores who could contribute are outfielder/first baseman Joe Eck, pitcher/outfielder Chris Solomon, second baseman/pitcher Blake Wiggs and outfielders Daniel Nance and Sean Stadelbacher.

Freshmen hopefuls are third baseman/pitcher J.C. Chapman, outfielder/first baseman Josh Aspen, second baseman Nathan Sweitzer and first baseman/pitcher Garrett Marks.

Smith looks at Goreville, Shawnee and the Appleknockers each vying for the South Egyptian Conference title.

“But Goreville is probably the team to beat,” Smith said. “They’re pretty deep in pitching  and they have a solid ballclub.”

 The Appleknockers open their season at home against Zeigler-Royalton Monday, March 15.