Preps Plus

Albemarle’s Vince Coles isn’t the only reason the Patriots are set to battle Potomac in the Northwest region semifinals. While the hard-hitting junior has sparked the offense, it’s the Patriots’ senior class that has helped create the chemistry that has kick started the postseason run by bringing together a squad with just one returning starter and no experienced varsity pitching.
“They’ve done an outstanding job,” said Albemarle head coach Carroll Bickers of the seniors. “You can have a senior-laden team and not have good chemistry, but the chemistry is outstanding.”
The Patriots have bonded during the season because of a concerted effort by Jake Hochstetler and the rest of the senior class. According to Bickers, seniors Robbie Taylor, Andrew Bradley, Nick Bradley, Cody Lewis and Drew Peters all have played a part in the development of the Patriots’ mentality.
One indication of the camaraderie is the multitude of spades games that break out at the beginning of the Patriots’ many long bus trips. Bickers himself even joins in on the card games, never afraid to answer a player’s challenge.
“Last year we had so much talent that we almost banked on that,” Hochstetler said. “But with the inexperience, we had to come together because that’s the only way we’d be able to do well.”
That team bonding helped the Patriots overcome a freak injury to junior Tyler Molinaro, who pitched, hit fourth and played first for Albemarle. When Molinaro broke his hand during gym class before the final two regular season games, Bickers said the Patriots hardly seemed fazed.
“We knew we were a blue-collar team and the kids knew someone else had to step up,” Bickers said.
From there, Albemarle stormed to a Commonwealth District tournament title with a narrow win over North Stafford. On Monday the postseason run continued with a startling seventh inning rally for a 12-10 victory over Halifax in the Northwest region quarterfinals.
“It’s just incredible, it’s a super run for these kids,” Bickers said. “It’s a coach’s dream to be involved with a team that maybe on paper doesn’t look very good but earns its respect in the league and in the region.”
Albemarle takes on Potomac at 6 p.m. at home Wednesday. Check out Thursday’s print edition of The Daily Progress to find out the details on the Northwest semifinal matchup.