Ready or not, Starkville must begin district play

March 21, 2011

Starkville head baseball coach Danny Carlisle leads the Yellowjackets into action tonight at home against division rival Columbus. (Kim Murrell/SDN)

By DANNY P. SMITH
sdnsports@bellsouth.net

It may not be the most ideal of situations for the Starkville Yellowjackets, but the division schedule won't wait.
The Jackets host the Columbus Falcons to start Class 6A, Division 2, District 4 play and coach Danny Carlisle said his team is going to enter into it with the intent of competing well. After junior varsity action takes place at 4 p.m., Starkville and Columbus begins varsity play at 6 p.m.
Because of early rain this spring, the Jackets (3-3) have only played six games which has made it difficult for Carlisle to have a good measuring stick of the squad.
"It's kind of hard to tell because we haven't played many games," Carlisle said. "We haven't played but six games and had five rained out. We would have liked to have played more, but we haven't."
To make matters worse, Carlisle has to discipline several members of his team.
"They are suspended for a violation of team rules," Carlisle said, "It was our No. 1 and No. 2 pitchers so it put us in a bind on the mound, but we'll still plan to get with it and play."
SHS athletic director Stan Miller said there would be no further comment on the situation due to it being a personnel matter dealing with student-athletes.
"We're just not going to get into that," Miller said.
A starting pitcher has yet to be determined for the Jackets, but regardless of who takes the mound Carlisle said the important thing is for the staff to exhibit control against potentially tough Columbus (6-2).
"If we throw strikes, we're going to be OK," Carlisle said. "Of course, everyday you've got to throw strikes."