The Patriots will begin the season on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 5:00 p.m. This season consist of 21 region games and 10 non-region games. Mike Campbell is the head coach for OCHS. (Graphic/ Avery Cameron)
Oglethorpe County’s Mike Campbell said his team is focused heading into his second season as coach.
This year’s team has a mix of experienced leaders and rising talent to try to improve upon last year’s 12-17 record and third-place finish in Region 5-A Division I.
“They were really worried about their own stats versus the team’s wins and losses,” Campbell said about last year’s team. “In the big picture, the wins and losses are more important than individual stats.”
Three of the Patriots’ region losses were to Prince Avenue, which went on to win the Class A Division I state title. Their two region wins were against Jasper County, which the Patriots will face again this year, though not as a region opponent.
OCHS reclassified from Region 5-A Division I to Region 8-A Divsion I this season.
"Last year, we only had nine region games just because we had a really small region. Now we have 21 region games,” Campbell said. “So for the first three weeks, we’re playing non-region teams like Washington-Wilkes, three teams in Savannah, and Jasper County. After that, region play starts.”
Campbell, whose team hosts East Jackson at 5 p.m. Thursday, said last season served as a learning curve.
The players had to adapt to his coaching style as he introduced a system implementing every coverage and steal option while teaching fundamentals throughout the season. Over the summer, the teaching took a rest as the team got to play and perfect their lessons.
"Last year was pretty good,” said Nash Campbell, senior outfielder and Mike Campbell’s son. “We had a good team. (We) didn’t go as far as we wanted to, but we had a good team. We’re talented."
Mike Campbell said one of their key factors this season will be pitching. He also emphasized the Patriots’ experience from playing together over the summer, allowing them to build chemistry and fine-tune skills.
“They’ve worked hard, and it’s all coming together,” Mike Campbell said. “When we hit the region, our pitching will be one of our biggest strengths.”
Eli Frost, Tripp White and Matthew Martin return as key pitchers for OCHS.
Frost, a senior, posted a 2.91 ERA last season, while juniors Martin and White recorded ERAs of 3.28 and 4.51, respectively.
Frost’s experience will be a valuable asset on the mound.
Regardless of the wins and losses this season brings, Mike Campbell said he has one unwavering goal.
“Just creating good men,” he said. “It’ll be successful if they cheer for each other.”