The missing pieces?
By Steve Franklin
The Blue Devils have been loaded with talent the past two seasons, ranging from pitcher/outfielder Jeremy Brown to first baseman Hunter Kenney, from third baseman Brandon Mack to left-handed ace Brad Settle.
But even with plenty of star power, the Devils have failed to get over the hump, winning just seven games in the last two years.
Now they may have found the missing pieces.
Sophomore second baseman Brandon Scott and junior shortstop Trevor Funk are poised for big seasons, and that could finally mean a run at a district title for a team that hasn't been in contention for the past 16 seasons.
"Hopefully they're the pieces that we've been missing," Brown said. "Those guys are going to help this team in so many different ways. They're both really intense guys who are going to play important roles for us. They may not have a ton of experience, but they're going to be relied on a lot this year."
Funk has shifted to shortstop from second base – he started 16 games there last season – in a move necessitated by Scott's maturity from his freshman year to the start of this season. Funk replaces former all-district shortstop Ross Karnes, who will move to left field once he returns from an undisclosed illness that has sidelined him the past couple of weeks.
"Brandon's always been a great fielder, but this offseason he got stronger and now his dribblers that would get fielded are being laced into line drive hits. He's put in a lot of work over the winter and it shows. He's in for a terrific year," CCHS Coach Dan Nobbs said. "Trevor is a consistent fielder. He doesn't have the range that Ross has, but he's going to make every play on the balls that he can get to. The heart of every team is up the middle, and although we're young there, we're also going to be solid."
Both Scott and Funk played up the middle in fall baseball as part of the Central Virginia Sting, and they believe they have the ability to be a successful double-play duo.
"We've been playing together for the past couple of fall seasons, so we know each others tendencies," Scott said. "He knows where I'll be, and I know where he'll be. Communication is important. Hopefully we can do what it takes to help this team win a district title. That's all we care about."
But the young combination isn't relegated to just perform well on defense. The two also play an integral role in Culpeper's offensive production.
Funk will bat lead-off, with Scott in the No. 2 hole.
"Both guys have real consistent bats. They're going to be on base a lot," Mack said. "They're our pace setters. They need to get on so guys like Hunter, Jeremy, and myself can drive them in."
Funk and Scott's impact has already been felt.
In the season-opener, Scott went 3-for-4 with a pair of RBI and three runs scored, while Funk reached base twice, including a two-RBI double.
"Brandon must of done something right this offseason because he's playing tremendous baseball right now," Brown said. "And Trevor has always played solid defense, but his offense has really come around. They've developed in to two terrific baseball players, and hopefully they can help us get a district championship."
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You may contact Steve Franklin at 825-9882, or by e-mail at sfranklin@timespapers.com