Expect Warriors to vie for a title

It is simply amazing that year-in and year-out, the Taylorsville baseball program continues to be at, or near, the top.

The Warriors lose players, change coaches, battle injuries and change regions. Yet they are still always one of the teams mentioned in the hunt for a state championship.

"You know what it means to put on the Taylorsville uniform," said Preston Olson. "It is an honor to play for this team, and we all just try to live up to what it means to be a part of the tradition."

Taylorsville pulled off an amazing accomplishment last season when it went undefeated in Region 2 to capture the championship. The title came down to a three-game series against Jordan, and the team responded with a sweep.

Once again, Taylorsville is poised to compete for the Region 2 title but don't expect a repeat performance of last year.

"It was an unbelievable thing that we swept the region last year," said Warriors coach Guy Mackay. "There is a lot more depth, and all the teams are capable of beating anyone. I really don't expect anyone to go through the region undefeated. It just isn't going to happen."

The Warriors have a lineup to rival anyone in the state. Opposing pitchers won't have a chance to relax as Landon Todd and Jeff Pratt get things started. Justin Jensen, Tyler Chism and Tyler Curtis have all shown the ability to crush the baseball. Chism is back after missing the last two series last year and the playoffs due to a knee injury.

"Tyler's been doing it for us for three years now," said Mackay. "He's waited a long time to be the senior leader on the team and he's worked hard to get ready for it. We're going to count on him a lot this year. He's so competitive. He hates to lose."

Taylorsville is looking to defend its title as the three-game series employed by Region 2 get under way. Circle the dates of May 1, 2 and 4. That is the series with Jordan and will most likely determine the region championship again this year.

Here's a look at how the rest of the region stacks up:

JORDAN— While the Beetdiggers have been the 5A runners-up in each of the past two seasons, they still have not won a region title. If ever there was a Jordan team ready to take the title, this is it. Ranked by several publications nationally, this team is loaded with outstanding players.