Wolfpack ready for war with Heritage

When describing the upcoming second-round Class AAAA state baseball playoff series between Greenbrier and Heritage, Wolfpack catcher Robert Davis doesn't mince words.

"A war - that's what it's going to be like out there," Davis said of the best-of-three battle, which begins with a doubleheader today at the Brierpatch.

"Everybody is going to play real hard. I know we're going to go at it, and I don't doubt they will after everything - you don't have to print it - everybody knows what happened last series."

For those with short memories, here's a recap:

Last season the Pack traveled to Conyers for a second-round playoff series and split a doubleheader with Heritage. The Patriots won the opener 9-5, and Greenbrier rallied for a 7-3 victory in the second game.

Meanwhile, in Game One, Heritage baserunner Brad Shea was ejected for throwing an elbow at Davis.

The next day, Shea warmed up with his team prior to the deciding third game, which was a violation of Georgia High School Association rules. Heritage eventually beat Greenbrier 5-0 to apparently take the series, but Pack coach Ed Williams filed a protest, which was upheld by the GHSA.

That ruling resulted in a forfeit by the Patriots, and allowed the Pack to move on to the third round against Alexander. During that series (which Greenbrier swept) at the Brierpatch, Alexander's fans questioned Greenbrier's right to still be playing - the word "Cheaters" was tossed about.

When Heritage comes to Columbia County today, the vocabulary could be even worse.

"I think so," Davis said of the prospect of rowdy and abusive Patriots' fans. "Hopefully our fans won't be like that, but as a player, you just can't pay any attention to that. You have to play your game."

The banter in the stands could get heated, but for Davis, the outcome on the diamond will settle the argument.

"We really want to take it to them. I know that ever since it happened last season that I've wanted to play them again," the senior said. "To come out there and beat them outright. On the field, two games, without a doubt in anybody's mind. They're just another stepping stone on the way to a state championship."