Only it wasn't directed at or about the visiting Gamecocks. It was to each other.
Both are softball coaches in Hall County - Devon at Chestatee and Kevin at East Hall - and the first-ever meeting between the two as coaches is slated for Thursday at East Hall. First pitch is scheduled for 5:55 p.m.
They just couldn't wait to until Thursday to dish out the smack.
"Yea, we were talking it up pretty good," said Kevin, who is in his first year as head coach at East Hall after being an assistant last season. "We were having fun but we both want to win it real bad."
It will be the only meeting this year between the schools, unless both advance into the playoffs. As a result, family members and friends are expected to show up and choose sides.
Chestatee comes in rolling again this year at 10-5, 3-1 in the region after whipping Gilmer 17-4 on Tuesday. East Hall is 6-8, 2-3 after an 8-1 loss on Tuesday to Pickens, which is undefeated in the region.
The two played one year of baseball together at North Hall in 1987 - Kevin was a senior, Devon a freshman - and still play together on some softball teams.
Devon, who led the Lady War Eagles to a Region 7-AAA title last year, said he's been looking forward to it, but isn't sure what to expect at the beginning.
"This was one on the schedule we both marked down because it's the first time we will have ever been on a softball or baseball field and not been on the same side," he said. "It's going to be a little strange at first, but once we get going, it's every man for himself."
"I may pull out a few tricks on him, but I can't say what they are. But it would be a special win for me and the program if we can get this one. We'll leave it all on the field," Kevin said.
If Chestatee gets rolling early, however, it could be a short meeting. The last three wins for Chestatee have all ended in the fifth inning because of the mercy rule.
"That would be nice," Devon said jokingly. "But I don't think that'll happen. Kevin has those girls playing pretty good. They're young and still learning but when he gets the talent there, they're going to be very tough. I have to beat him now while I can."
"If we can pull off this one it would give us something to talk about at Christmas," Kevin said.
Or at least until the next Georgia game.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2003/9/172799