FLOWERY BRANCH — Perfection is something Flowery Branch baseball coach Joey Ray does not entirely embrace.
So far, that philosophy may be the key driving force behind the Falcons' historic playoff run in 2018. They advanced to the Class 5A quarterfinals last week for the first time in program history with a Game 3 win over Arabia Mountain.
“When I got here our primary goal at the beginning of the season was to teach the kids to learn how to play by understanding the value of the little things,” Ray said. “You get better not just by practicing but by learning how to play the game. It took a while (for the kids to embrace that) but now we are seeing the benefits.
“I have never taught as a coach that you have to be perfect in baseball. That’s an impossibility. Really, all you have to do to win a state championship is win 2 of 3 games every week. That’s what we’re trying to do.”
So far, so good.
The Region 8-5A No. 3-seeded Falcons knocked off Villa Rica in three games in the first round, taking a 6-3 victory in Game 3 of that series. Then they took down Region 5-5A champion Arabia Mountain in three games in the second round, including a dominating 10-0, run-rule win in the deciding game.
The Falcons (20-16) have won 9 of their last 11 games overall. Now, they will head to Region 1-5A champion Veterans (located near Warner Robins) looking to put that philosophy to the test one more time. The quarterfinal series will begin with a doubleheader on Wednesday and a 4 p.m. first pitch. Game 3, if necessary, will be on Thursday with a 5 p.m. first pitch.
Ray, who coached Milton to the Class 6A 2013 state title and a state runner-up finish in 2014, said another key factor is that they are not shying away from history. They are embracing it whole-heartedly.
“We know the program has never been to this stage of things but we asked the kids if they were satisfied with where they are,” he said. “They said no. They are embracing the moment. I think they’re hungry for more.”
Another remarkable aspect is that, unlike Ray’s 2013 title team at Milton made up of mostly juniors and seniors, his 2018 Falcons feature two starting freshmen and three starting sophomores in virtually every lineup. However, similarities exist in quality pitching depth, especially in the playoffs, and fundamentally-sound play.
Flowery Branch features three sophomore lefties atop the rotation -- Andrew Armstrong, Zander Sechrist, and JC Sewell -- and a pair of freshmen catchers Kaleb Freeman and Anthony Woeltje, who split time, and freshman second baseman Connor Larson. The lineup solidified over the final two weeks of the season, led by senior shortstop Anthony Grutadaurio, and the playoffs after a series of injuries.
“The young kids have really stepped up and have been listening to what we want them to do. It’s unusual to have freshmen behind the plate at this level but those guys have done a great job for us,” Ray said.
“Connor has absolutely torn it up over the last 15 games or so. The group as a whole has taken on a real bulldog personality and they are not scared to have the ball.”
Veterans (27-9) has taken a similar playoff path to the quarterfinals. The Warhawks have been pushed to three games in each of the first two rounds by Statesboro and Whitewater, ralliying from Game 1 losses in both series.
But, as has been common for Ray, he doesn’t care much for how the opponent is playing. It all comes down to how his Falcons respond to the challenge.
“For us to be successful, we just have to worry about what we’re doing,” he said. “If we do what we do well and play fundamental baseball, we feel we can compete with and beat anyone. That’s what we focus on.
“I know (the Warhawks) have two good arms for the first two games and a No. 3 pitcher that can hit 90-94 (miles-per-hour) but is more of a thrower than a pitcher. They’re aggressive on the bases and like to put pressure on people.
“The key will be not giving up free bases in any manner and just doing our thing. If we do those things, maybe we can keep making history.”
