<b>Coach:</b> Chris Warren, seventh season (74-64)
<b>2007 Record:</b> 7-15
<b>Key Losses:</b> SS Jackson Clement, 1B Kevin Dec.
<b>Key Players:</b> SS Jacob Morley, SR; CF Max Waizenegger, JR; 3B Wyatt Moore, JR; P Greg Whitaker, SR; P Joey Carleton, SR.
<b>Quotable: </b>“If you pitch and play defense, you are in every day game, in theory.” – Woodson head coach Chris Warren
<b>Outlook:</b> According to Woodson head coach Chris Warren, the Cavaliers’ star shortstop Jacob Morley is, “the quintessential coach’s idea of a player.”
“He has, without question, the best work ethic on the team. That is a nice thing to have – your most talented kids to have the best work ethic,” said Warren. “He is a guy that has exceeded every expectation that you can have as a coach.”
Warren can back up his praise of Morley with cold, hard facts.
The senior captain hit .597 last year, with five home runs, 25 runs, 24 RBI and 11 stolen bases. Morley was named first-team, all-district; all-region and was second-team, all state.
“He is a guy that has exceeded every expectation that you can have as a coach,” said Warren.
The frightening part for Liberty District pitchers is that Morley, who has committed to play baseball for the Virginia Military Institute Keydets next year, did all that as a junior.
Understandably, Morley will be the centerpiece of the Cavaliers’ offense that took a hit with the graduation of Jackson Clement and Kevin Dec.
“We have lost a couple of pretty good players, but I feel pretty good about the guys that are coming up and will hopefully step up and take more of a leadership role,” said Warren.
The Cavaliers do return, however, the bulk of their pitching staff, led by seniors Greg Whitaker (4.11 ERA last year) and Joey Carleton (4.35 ERA).
“I feel like our pitching staff has gotten some experience over the past two years and hopefully that will carry over to this year on the mound,” said Warren. “If you pitch and play defense, you are in every day game, in theory.”