Panguitch setting sights on a state baseball title

It's been nearly a year since Waterford shocked heavily favored Panguitch 10-7 in the 2004 Class 1A State championship baseball game, which snapped a 31-game winning streak by the Bobcats.

Since then, realignment has pulled Waterford away from Class 1A and Panguitch has been busy replacing five stars from its state-finalist team.

But Panguitch coach Clint Barney still can't get the bitter defeat out of his mind.

"It's haunted me," Barney said. "There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about that game. I hate to admit that because I don't want Waterford to know what they've done to me.

"But . . . it was devastating to lose last year. I really thought we were the best team. Of course, Waterford thinks differently."

In the absence of their new-found rivals, Barney and his players will be aiming to take out their frustrations from a year ago on the rest of the 1A field.

"You don't forget something like that until you get back," said Barney. "We're fighting really hard to get back in there again."

Because No. 2 Panguitch graduated so many talented players from last year's team, some figured the Bobcats might struggle in 2005.

Instead, it's been more of the same for the Bobcats, who won the 2003 state title in addition to finishing second last season.

"We've been able to plug guys in there," said Barney, "and we didn't miss a beat."

Barney has worked on creating a solid youth system in Panguitch, something that's helped the high school maintain prominence in 1A baseball.

"We pride ourselves in having a good youth program," said Barney. "We feel we can be strong year in and year out."

Center fielder Kyle Bateman took over the position from his brother Justin, who graduated last year. Younger brother Josh Bateman has taken over at third base.

New players like the Batemans have given the Bobcats a different look. This year they've been quicker and faster, which has allowed for more bunting and stealing.

The new starters have molded themselves around Zac Orton, Cameron Leach, Mark Boshell and Tyler Pollack, who all returned from 2004.

With region play winding down and the state tournament inching closer and closer, here's a region-by-region look at 1A baseball: