Cedartown Middle School Head Coach Jeff Collier was worried about the middle school baseball league tournament. He knew despite the outstanding season that the Bulldogs were having, one loss in tournament play and it could all come crashing down.

Last week, that is exactly what happened as the Model Blue Devils eliminated the young Bulldogs from the semifinal round by the score of 7-6.

“After a terrible first inning we woke up,” Collier said. “They finally realized that errors had cost them and the deficit was large. But I was proud of how they fought back. They hit the ball as well as we hit it all year, just at someone.”

Collier said the loss to Model, who advanced to face Darlington in the championship game, was hard on his team.

“I don’t want to take away from the other teams but I really felt like we were capable of winning it all,” Collier said. “It’s a hard way to learn valuable lessons but I think this will only help this bunch as I have stated before, they do not like to lose and they will find a way to bounce back.”

Members of the team were Tyrone Scofield, Matt Truett, Austin Huddleston, Mitch Morrow, Kim Carr, Austin Bradshaw, Kory Lindsey, Brandon Cheatwood, Tyler Prewett, Aaron Carter, Daylon Gates, Carson Hatch, Jake Collier, Hunter Patterson, Caleb Ely, Harrison Barnett, Ben Truett and Austin Pope.

Collier said he wanted to thank several people.

“I want to publicly say I have enjoyed the attitudes, ability and each and every player on the team,” Collier said. “I would like to thank Culbreth, Carr and Watson Animal Clinic, Cregg Hatch Insurance and PCPS (Rocky and Patti Tillery). I also want to thank Coach Terry Morrow, Coach Karl Lindsey and the parents who help out as well. I want to thank Polk School District, Mr. Williams, Mr. Grayer and Coach Loudermilk. I also want to thank all the players for allowing me to be a part of their team."