Seahawks, Tiger Sharks to open new regional series format

Take a breath and take a week off, because on Monday evening, April 28 on the Port St. Joe High School baseball diamond will begin the opening round of a newly-introduced best two-out-of-three series to decide who will advance to the regional title game, and a shot at the state title, in the Rural state championships.

And who better to square off than arch-rivals Port St. Joe (15-10) and Franklin County (16-8) in this new twist on the regional playoffs?

The Tiger Sharks, the district’s top seed, swept the district championship series, by defeating fifth-seeded Liberty County (5-13) 8-1 on Tuesday night. The Bulldogs had advanced into that district final by shutting out fourth-seeded Altha (13-6) 12-0 the night before.

Port St. Joe then went on to defeat third-seeded Blountstown (10-16) 4-3 Thursday night.

The Tigers had advanced to the district championship game by virtue of a 7-4 downing of second-seeded Franklin County Tuesday night.

“I knew Blountstown was going to throw their ace against me,” said Seahawks Coach Brock Johnson, referring to senior Isaac Roberts, who has a 3.09 earned run average and 55 strikeouts in 36 innings pitched.

Roberts struck out five and gave up one earned run in four innings of pitching against Franklin County on Tuesday, before being relieved by junior Carson Stafford in the fifth. 

The Seahawks managed just three hits against Blountstown, a pair by sophomore Jeremiah Allen and one by freshman Karcen Poloronis.

Junior Colby Blackburn and Nolan Alford, and Jones split the pitching duties, together allowing four earned runs on eight hits.

“We got their best arm and we gave it a valiant effort, but we left runners on and had costly errors,” Johnson said. “We’ve looked really good at times and then their youth shows.

“Last year we lost three or four seniors, and I knew this year we were going to be young agewise and young on experience,” he said. “At the beginning of this year, I considered it a success, with so many freshmen and sophomores, that if we had a shot at making the playoffs it would be a win.

“I’ve been rotating guys a lot and a lot of the boys have stepped up,” Johnson said.

The semifinal loss to Blountstown might have spelled the end of the Seahawks’ post-season run, but by virtue of their Florida High School Athletic Association ranking, based on a formula that takes into consideration win-loss record and strength of schedule, Franklin County will advance to the regionals.

“I was kind of on the edge wondering if we were going to make it or not,” said Johnson. “I’m super excited, and they’re excited that they’re in. We’re very grateful and happy we get a chance to continue playing.

“Most baseball coaches are pretty excited about the new format,” he said. “Now the team that advances, they’re the most complete team. It’s more true baseball.”

With a pair of regular season losses against the Tiger Sharks, and a younger, less experienced team than Port St Joe will field, Johnson knows the Seahawks have their work cut out for them to win a pair in Gulf County.

“Ashley Summerlin is a good coach, he’s always done a great job with his team,” Johnson said. “Their boys seem to play well together.”

Johnson said he’s been preaching all year not to let a past loss influence a future victory. “Don’t get so caught up in one game during the regular season,” he said. “Don’t let one game loss turn over into two.

“We faced them twice already, and we’ll be prepared for them,” Johnson said. “I think we’ll be OK. I think it’s going to be a great series.”