By Stephen Dawkins

Three weeks ago, the Thorsby baseball team had won 25 games, lost only four and was ranked No. 2 out of the state’s Class 2A teams.
That’s a pretty successful season by anyone’s standards.
But the Rebels didn’t spend much time patting themselves on the back. They knew their real challenge lay ahead of them: the state playoffs.
“It’s like I’ve told them all week,” Thorsby coach Ab Argent said as he prepared his team to host Ranburne in the second playoff round, “We’ve done a good job getting to this point: winning the area, winning in the first round, putting ourselves in a position to host the second round. But you’re going to be judged by what you do in the playoffs.”
The Rebels on Friday got it done and live to practice for another round as the competition continues to improve.
It’s difficult to say whether this Thorsby team has what it takes to win a state championship, but it is difficult to find a weakness. Ace pitcher Cody Carroll shut down Ranburne in Game 1 on Friday and received plenty of support in a 10-0 win, showing what the Rebels can do when they play their best.
Game 2 was more of a struggle, with Thorsby fighting back from a deficit to take a 17-15 decision and end the series, a result that was a little bit of payback from last year, when Ranburne ended Thorsby’s season.
These Rebels are showing what this time of the year in high school sports is all about. The playoffs present an opportunity for a team and/or individual player to create a legacy, to do something the people associated with the school will always remember.
A fine example can be found using the same classrooms as the baseball players. Thorsby track and field athlete Sade’ Archie last year won two event championships at the state meet, the school’s first titles in the sport.
It’s too early to know if the Rebels can do it, but at least they realize the opportunity that’s in front of them.

– Dawkins is the assistant managing editor for The North Chilton Advertiser.