Gameday Power Poll: Baseball April 20th, 2008
GAMEDAY POWER POLL
APRIL 20TH, 2008
1. Oakton Cougars
Record: 11-2
The Cougars continue to roll up big victories over solid clubs since their early season defeat to Westfield. Oakton will get the Bulldogs this week at home pending some inclement weather on Tuesday, but when the Cougars are on, they are the most lethal team in the region.
2. Stone Bridge Bulldogs
Record: 12-2
Despite the loss to Mclean on Friday night, the Bulldogs only dropped one spot because of their impressive season thus far. Wins over Madison, Langley, and Woodson have shown all that Stone Bridge is for real. If they can keep from losing to teams that are inferior, the Bulldogs should be the Liberty District champions this spring. This week could be huge for deciding some math as to how many games Stone Bridge needs to clinch the district.
3. Chantilly Chargers
Record: 10-4
The Chargers are quietly putting together an outstanding season this spring. At 10-4, they are in the picture in the Concorde District race, and with their pitching staff, they are a threat to go deep in the playoffs. The Chargers face Herndon at home on Tuesday followed by Fairfax and Robinson Friday and next Tuesday. With three more wins, this team will make a case for the top spot in the Concorde.
4. Forest Park Bruins
Record: 7-3
One of the hottest teams in the region is the Forest Park Bruins. The Bruins have some solid wins already this season, but will be tested against Woodbridge and Gar-field this week. If they get past both, they may be on the rise next week in our poll.
5. McLean Highlanders
Record: 10-4
With Friday's 4-1 win over Stone Bridge, Mclean jumped into the top 5 of our Power Poll. The Highlanders beat the previous top ranked Bulldogs with stellar pitching and some timely hitting. McLean is actually in better position than Madison and Langley to challenge the Bulldogs for the top spot in the Liberty District, and the final weeks of the season should be interesting if they continue to play well.
6. Madison Warhawks
Record: 8-5
Despite having more losses than in years past, the Warhawks can still beat any team in the top 10 with their Ace Jesse Jeter on the mound. Andrew Schrock showed he was a top flight pitcher in his showing against Stone Bridge, and the Warhawks will be the most dangerous team down the stretch in the Liberty District. The next week will be a big test for Madison as they will have to win just about every game to stay in the mix.
7. South County Stallions
Record: 8-4
With pitcher/first baseman Jesse Beal, the Stallions are a threat to topple anyone in this poll. However, the Stallions have to keep pace with Lake Braddock and West Springfield in the Patriot District. With a showdown looming on Friday with Braddock, the Stallions are hoping to inch closer to the top spot in the district and leave the rest of the teams chasing them.
8. Lake Braddock Bruins
Record: 8-4
The Bruins are playing well in the Patriot District with a 6-1 record, just in time for a showdown against West Springfield on Wednesday. If Lake Braddock can beat the Spartans this week, they will take the inside track to the district championship.
9. West Springfield Spartans
Record: 8-4
Deadlocked with Lake Braddock at 6-1 in the Patriot District, this week's meeting between the Bruins and Spartans should be a classic. West Springfield has a challenging week with West Potomac on Monday, Braddock on Wednesday, and Lee on Friday. Three wins this week could mean smooth sailing the rest of the way, at least until they face South County on May 6th.....
10. Westfield Bulldogs
Record: 8-4
Westfield continues to struggle with consistency, but this team has the tools to challenge the best. Their 5-1 mark in the Concorde District trails only Chantilly (6-1), and the Bulldogs have another opportunity to put Oakton a step behind on Tuesday. The big question for the Bulldogs is their pitching. If it can hold up against the Chargers and Cougars, they may be your Concorde District champions.
HONORABLE MENTION:
Potomac Falls Panthers (7-2)
Broad Run Spartans (10-3)
Woodson (7-5)
Langley (8-5)
Loudoun Valley (7-4)
