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Cullman, Alabama - Winning the state championship and Finishing in 2nd place in the World Series last year
in Moody, Alabama was special for the Fossil Park boys. Still, it left a sour taste in their mouths for
what could have been. This year, they did not win the state championship. They lost in a 5 game series
to Bill Bond Pensacola, losing 3 in row after winning the first 2. That sour taste they remembered from
last year returned, but it would be just the wakeup call they needed. The players all buckled down and
worked harder. Practices became even more serious. The coaches identified what needed to be worked on,
and then had the boys perfect it for the weeks leading up to this year's series. The hard work would
pay off in a big way.
After a memorable opening ceremony, it was time for the games to begin. Fossil Park was matched up against
the host team from Cullman, Alabama in game 1. Mike Ferrandiz and Blake Duncan combined to toss a 1-hitter
while striking out 7 batters. Bret Maxwell went 2 for 4 with 2 RBI, while Jake Rek and Kennie Taylor each
adding 2 RBI each. The Fire went on to win easily 16-1 to start the tournament on a strong note.
The Louisiana state champions from Terrebonne were next up for the Fire. Bret Maxwell was on the mound for
Fossil Park. Maxwell went 3 stellar innings scattering a couple of hits and striking out 4. Bret also
went 3 for 4 at the plate, which included a triple and 4 runs scored. Catcher, Drew Vimond went crazy going
4 for 4 with 6 RBI. Kennie Taylor had 3 hits and Blake Duncan and Jason Mugavero each had 2 hits. Mugavero
also flashed some leather in the game snaring a hotshot line drive down the first base line to foil a
Louisiana rally. Final Score: Fossil Park - 13 Louisiana - 5
A pesky Greenwood Mississippi team awaited Fossil Park next. Fossil Park found themselves behind for the
first time in the series. Down 5-1 going into the bottom of the third, the Fire got the bats going and
put 7 runs on the board to put them in the lead for good. Lefty, Colton Tison earned the win, going 3
strong innings, striking out 3. Drew Vimond led the offense again going 3 for 4 with an RBI. Kennie
Taylor had another strong game going 2 for 4 with 2 RBI. Mike Ferrandiz added 2 hits and a couple
RBI as well. Final Score: Fossil Park - 14 Mississippi - 5
A rematch of the Florida state championship game against Bill Bond Pensacola was next for the Fire, and
they were looking for payback. After Pensacola spoiled Fossil's chance for a state championship 3-peat,
The Fire had a few surprises in store for a strong Pensacola team. Fossil Park picked off 4 base
runners and played a little small-ball and showed off their improved bunt defense. Starting pitcher,
Bret Maxwell kept Pensacola off balance during his 3 innings of work. He gave up 1 unearned run,
2 hits while striking out 3. Drew Vimond and Blake Duncan each added 2 more hits with Mike Ferrandiz
providing a mammoth 2 run home run to seal it for the Fire. Glove was in the air again as. Jake Rek
added a stellar diving stab of a liner to keep the game tight. Fossil went on to win a squeaker 5-3.
Beating Pensacola put Fossil into the championship game of the winners' bracket. They would face
Northport, Alabama, a team that shared the same hotel as the Fire. Starting pitcher, Mike Ferrandiz
tossed zeros at Northport, going 3 scoreless innings. Mike gave up just 1 hit to earn the win and
added a grand slam home run to help his own cause as Fossil Park drubbed Northport 12-2. Blake Duncan,
Kennie Taylor each had 2 hits with Jesse Moeller going 3 for 3 with 3 RBI.
For the 2nd consecutive year, Fossil Park found them in the championship game. Northport, Alabama beat
Pensacola in the finals of the losers' bracket game to force a rematch against the Fire. Fossil was in
for a fight this time as they found themselves down 8-5 going into the bottom of the 5th. In
desperate need of a spark, The Fire finally woke up and put 8 runs up in the bottom of the 5th, all
with 2 outs, to take the lead. A 2 run dinger by Blake Duncan and a grand slam homer by Bret Maxwell
highlighted the inning. Drew Vimond and Jason Mugavero added 2 hits each. Reliever, Colton Tison
went 4 strong innings scattering 3 hits and striking out 5. The Fire took the field in the 6th only
3 outs away from the World Series crown. Tison struck out the first hitter, and then induced a weak
comebacker for the second. With excitement filling the air, the boys were just one out away from
fulfilling a dream. Tison struck out the next batter for the final out for a 13-8 victory and a
World Series title for Fossil Park. The kids and fans went crazy and a big celebration ensued
on the field. Mike Ferrandiz was named MVP. The boys will now focus on defending their title
next year.
Team members are: Blake Duncan, Jake Rek, Bret Maxwell, Brien Story, Zach Snell, Riley Barr,
Chase Campbell, Drew Vimond, Colton Tison, Jason Mugavero, Jesse Moeller, Kennie Taylor, Mike Ferrandiz,
Tim Murphy. Manager Jim Mateer, Coaches Greg Maxwell, Bill Rekand Phil Mugavero .
by Phil Mugavero
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