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MCBA Summer Season Comes to an End
July 28, 2006 --
With a 3-2 loss to the AYRA Bears on July 27, the Germantown Jaguars summer season came to an end. 21 current and future Jaguars players participated on the team that finished 15-6, an incredible turnaround from last year's 1-15 mark.
John Krahling was the only player to play in every game, with newcomer Dan Fitzgerald, a transfer from St. John's, missing only one game. Bobby Murphy led all hitters in the regular season with an impressive .667 batting average. Peter Marratto and J.T. Sutton led the Jags with 14 runs scored. Steve Callahan (5) and John DiNardo (4) paced the starting pitchers while Mark Macauley and Dominique Vattouone anchored the bullpen.
A tremendous thanks goes out to both Tom Sutton and Pete White for running the summer team. Tom handled the paperwork and logistics for the team and displayed great skill and patience in dealing with the players, parents, and most importantly, the MCBA. Pete once again did his usual outstanding job of coaching the team during games and practices. His years of experience are very evident during games and in his relationships with the players. His insight is also a valuable asset to the Northwest coaches. Thanks also go to Mr. and Mrs. Tolan, Mr. DiNardo, Mr. Fitzgerald, and Mr. Krahling for their help during the season, as well as all the parents for their help driving and for their fan support.
Finally, the NWHS coaches are very impressed with the 21 players that played this summer, not for just the successful season, but for their committment to the team. Your efforts will translate to a much more successful season for each of you individually as well as the team in the spring of 2007. It was great to see as many as TWENTY ONE players at a game, and was equally impressive to see Coach White get every player in the game as he did all season.
Great job guys. Enjoy the rest of the summer. You deserve the break. We will meet in September once school is back. Remember, when you get your schedule in the mail, check your second semester schedule and try to get into an elective during seventh period. It looks like we will have only two Saturday games next season. The 2007 schedule will be posted in a couple of weeks when it is finalized.
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Dr. Bauer Steps Down as JV Coach
June 15, 2006 --
Dr. Paul Bauer, the longest tenured JV baseball coach in Northwest High School history, has stepped down as the junior varsity baseball coach. He informed varsity coach Matt Noble of his decision in a meeting on June 15.
Bauer, in addition to serving as guidance counselor at Northwest, is now serving as an interim pastor at New Hope Presbyterian Church on Bowie Mill Road in Derwood. The two duties will preclude him from returning to the Jaguars baseball program in 2007.
Bauer is the only JV coach to serve consecutive years at NWHS. Current athletic director Jim Tapley was the school's first JV coach and also coached in the school's third year after missing the second season due to illess. Current football coach Randy Trivers filled in during Tapley's absence. When Brian Gregorich, the school's first varsity baseball coach, moved to Nevada, Tapley took over the varsity helm and Noble came aboard as the JV coach for the school's fourth season. After one season, Tapley became the school's athletic director and Noble moved up to the varsity. Brian Yerger, recently named varsity head coach at Magruder, guided the JV during Noble's first varsity season before Bauer came on board in 2004.
Noble and Tapley hope to name a new JV coach by the start of the school year. The MCPS contract calls for the new coach to come from within the ranks of MCPS professional staff.
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Another Post Season Honor for Speransky
June 8, 2006 --
Congratulations to senior left fielder and designated hitter Stas Speransky for being named honorable mention All County by the Gazette Newspapers. The first and second teams along with the honorable mention teams are selected by the sports staff of the Gazette from all of the public and private high schools in Montgomery County. In addition to the Gazette honor, Speransky was also named to the All Division team by the county public high school coaches and was also selected by that group to play in the Senior All Star Game on May 31. Unfortunately the game was rained out and not re-scheduled. Speransky is playing for Gaithtersburg Post 295 this summer in the Montgomery County American Legion League.
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Stouffer Named to America East All Rookie Team
June 4, 2006 --
2005 Northwest graduate Brady Stouffer has been named to the America East All Rookie team for the 2006 season. Stouffer is the starting shortstop at the University of Hartford in Connecticut.
Playing for second year coach Jeff Calcaterra, Stouffer started all but one game for the Hawks. As the team's leadoff hitter he was a perfect 12 for 12 in stolen bases in conference games and was 16 for 18 overall. He finished with a Hawks-record 192 at bats, batted .276, drove in 14 runs and had a team-high 11 sacrifices.
Hartford finished 8-16 in the America East and 11-38 overall while fielding a team of mostly freshmen and sophomores.
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Marratto and Speransky Named to All League Team; All Star Game Rained Out
June 2, 2006 --
Senior Stas Speransky and junior Peter Marratto were named to the Montgomery County high school baseball coaches MCPS 4A East All League team at a meeting of county coaches on June 1. Marratto was selected as a middle infielder and is one of only four juniors to be named to the team. Speransky was named as the designated hitter. A complete listing of all three teams can be found by going to Links on the left of the home page and going to the MCPS Results web page.
Additionally, the MCPS Senior All Star Baseball game scheduled for June 1 at Whitman was rained out and will not be made up due to upcoming conflicts with graduations and summer league baseball. Speransky was the tenth NHWS player to be selected to play in the game.
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Tolan Wins Jaguar Award; NWHS Baseball Night at the Nationals on June 13
May 25, 2006 --
Senior pitcher/second baseman Jay Tolan was selected by the varsity baseball players and coaches as the 2006 Jaguar Award winner for baseball. Tolan received his award at the annual Spring Sports Awards Night held at NWHS last night.
The prestigious award goes to the player that best exemplifies what a member of the Northwest baseball program should be like. The player does not have to be a senior, but often times is. The award is not based strictly on baseball ability, but also takes into account leadership, work ethic, scholarship, citizenship, and a strong devotion to becoming the best possible baseball player.
The Jagaur Award is given in each varsity sport at Northwest. All Jaguar Award winners are recognized on the Jaguar Award Plaque Wall located across the main entrance to the main gym at Northwest.
Additionally, the Jaguars have arranged with the Washington Nationals a chance to obtain half-off tickets for the Nationals game with the Colorado Rockies on June 13 at 7:05. The game will be played at RFK Stadium. Players interested in purchasing tickets need to bring $8 cash per ticket to Coach Noble in Room 102 by June 7. It would help greatly if Coach Noble could receive an indication of how many tickets each player would like to purchase by Tuesday, May 30. Players can tell Coach Noble how many tickets they are planning on purchasing either in school on Friday morning, May 26, or via e-mail at NWHSBaseball@aol.com after that. Please be advised that Coach Noble will not be at school between May 27 and June 1.
The first block of 25 tickets are located in Section 436, which is in the lower part of the upper deck half way between third base and the left field wall. Depending on how early we tell the Nationals if we need additonal tickets, tickets 26 and beyond will be between Sections 436 and 441. Cash is required for purchases because the Nationals will not accept checks.
Transportation is not provided. This is simply a chance to purchase $16 tickets for half price and sit with members of the NWHS baseball family. For more information, see Coach Noble in Room 102 or e-mail him at NWHSBaseball@aol.com.
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Speransky Selected for All-Star Game
May 22, 2006 --
Senior Stas Speransky has been selected to play in the 24th Annual Montgomery County Coaches All Star Game to be played on June 1 at 6:30 at Walt Whitman High School. Speransky becomes the tenth Northwest player to be named to the all-star game.
Speransky posted a .344 batting average this past season. He led the Jaguars in RBI's with 19, and also paced the squad with 22 hits and two home runs. The left fielder had an excellent .547 slugging percentage and ran off a 14-game hitting streak during the regular season.
The four-year member of the Jaguars baseball program and two-year varsity player plans to continue his playing career at Montgomery College-Germantown.
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Walter Johnson Upsets NWHS to End Jaguars Season
May 12, 2006 --
Despite a 4-12 regular season record, home standing Walter Johnson scored twice in the first and single runs in the third and fourth innings to upset Northwest 5-3 in the first round of the 4A West Region playoffs. The Jaguars finished the season with a 9-9 record.
The first three batters for WJ scored in the bottom of the first, with two runs being unearned, to put the Wildcats up 3-0. The Jaguars got in the run column in the top of the second. Junior Jon Brauch reached second on an infield throwing error, stole third, and came in to score on senior Jay Tolan's one-out single to left. Sophomore Bobby Murphy, who had reached on a walk following Brauch, was thrown out at the plate trying to score on the play. The play was close as it appeared that Murphy had slid under the catcher's tag.
The Jaguars tied the game in the top of the third when junior Charlie Cononie stroked a two-run homer over the right field fence and on to Democracy Boulevard for his first career round tripper. Senior Stas Speranksy scored in front of Cononie after Speransky had reached on a fielder's choice earlier in the frame.
The Wildcats picked up single runs in the third and fourth, however, for the margin of victory. Junior Mark Macauley pitched a scoreless final two for Northwest, but the Jaguars could not overcome numerous base running mistakes and a lack of timely hitting.
WJ moves on to play at top-seeded Quince Orchard on Monday. Northwest will look forward to 2007 when 26 players will return to the program including eight starters and the team's top five pitchers.
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Freshmen Lead Jags to 6-3 Win over Wheaton on Senior Day
May 10, 2006 --
The four members of the Class of 2006 and their parents were honored in a pregame ceremony, but it was three members of the Class of 2009 that led the Jaguars to a 6-3 come-from-behind win over a pesky Wheaton squad in the final game of the regular season. Northwest finished with an 8-7 overall record and placed second in the MCPS 4A East Division with a 4-3 division mark.
Freshman John DiNardo worked the first five games to earn the victory in his first varsity start. He allowed only one earned run, scattered seven hits, and struck out three. Classmate Steve Callahan worked the final two innings to earn the save in his varsity debut, not allowing a hit and striking out two. He faced just the minimum six batters when his one out walk was erased on a game-ending Marratto to Tolan to senior Taylor Murdoch double play.
After falling behind 2-0 in the top of the first on a pair of unearned runs, the Jaguars cut the defecit in half in the bottom of the first. Junior Peter Marratto led off with a triple and then scored when senior Joe Braun reached on an error.
Northwest took the lead for good in the home half of the fourth. With one out junior Charlie Cononie singled to right and then moved to third on junior Jon Brauch's perfect backside single to right. Then with two away senior Jay Tolan doubled down the left field line to drive in Cononie to tie the score. Freshman John Krahling then singled to center to score both Brauch and Tolan, giving the Jags a 4-2 lead.
Wheaton fought back with a run in the fifth inning, but NWHS responded with two more in the bottom of the frame. Marratto singled up the middle, stole second, and went to third when the throw went into center field. Braun then drew a walk and stole second. Senior Stas Speransky lifted a fly to left to plate Marratto, then Cononie reached on an infield hit, chasing Braun to third. Braun then scored on a wild pitch to round out the margin of victory.
Notes: Speransky's 14 game hitting streak came to an end as he went 0 for 2 with an RBI and sacrifice fly...Marratto had his second three-hit game in the last three...Cononie also recorded two hits...The Jaguars now visit Walter Johnson on Friday at 4:00 in the first round of the 4A West Region playoffs. It is the first appearance in the 4A playoffs for Northwest. The school competed in the 2A and 3A classes during the first seven years the school was open...The state charges a $5.00 admission for all playoff games...
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No Comeback Magic This Time as Poolesville Tops NWHS 6-1
May 9, 2006 --
Poolesville got the most out of five hits and capitalized on seven Northwest walks and two key errors to knock off the Jaguars 6-1. The loss drops Northwest to 8-8 on the season.
The visiting Falcons scored an unearned run in the top of the first to go up 1-0, but Northwest responded with a two-out rally in the third. Junior Peter Marratto singled to center and stole second. He then moved up to third on junior Zeke Vazquez's infield single. Senior Stas Speransky than smashed a shot past the third baseman to score Marratto and extend Speranksy's hitting streak to 15 games.
Unfortunately the bats fell silent after that inning and Poolesville used a double, a single, three walks and a costly error to score five times in the fifth for the final margin of victory. The Falcons did not commit an error in the game and defeated Northwest for the second straight time over the last two seasons.
Also today the playoff draw was announced. Northwest drew the nine seed and will play at number eight Walter Johnson at 4:00 on Friday in the first round of the 4A West Region playoffs. The complete bracket can be found at www.MPSSAA.org.
The Jaguars wrap up the regular season on Wednesday at 5:15 at home against Wheaton. The four NWHS seniors will be honored along with their parents in a pregame ceremony. Game time is 5:15.
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Four Pitchers Toss One-Hitter in 19-0 Win at Kennedy
May 6, 2006 --
Senior Jay Tolan, junior Bobby Croat, junior Mark Macauley, and senior Taylor Murdoch combined for a one-hitter as Northwest cruised to a 19-0 win at Kennedy. The Jaguars have now won three straight for the first time this season and improved to 8-7 overall.
Tolan worked the first two innings, retiring all six men he faced. Croat came on to pitch the third and notched the win, but had to leave the game in the top of the fourth when he pulled a muscle in his side while batting in the fourth. Macauley retired all three men he faced in the fourth and Murdoch struck out the side after giving up a lead off single in the fifth.
NWHS went up 1-0 in the first when junior Peter Marratto scored on a two-out single by Murdoch. Marratto arrived at the game just minutes before the first pitch after taking the SAT's in the morning. The lack of batting practice did not seem to phase him as he finished the day three for three with three runs scored, a walk, and two RBI's.
The Jaguars blew the game open in the second, scoring nine times as 15 men came to the plate. Senior Joe Braun contributed an RBI single, Marratto also had an RBI safety, and senior Stas Speransky belted a two-RBI double to extend his hitting streak to 14 games. Junior Charlie Cononie and freshman John Krahling also had RBI singles later in the inning.
Northwest continued to play Top 40 baseball in the third as the hits kept on coming (ask your parents). 14 Jags came to the plate as Northwest scored eight more runs. Sophomore Bobby Murphy belted an RBI double, Croat worked an RBI walk, and junior Josh Brew singled to left to drive in a run. Junior Zeke Vazquez singled to right to score another Jaguar and Murphy picked up his second RBI of the inning with a single to left.
The final NWHS run came in the fifth inning. Junior Michael Giacalone reached on an error and scored for the second time in the game later in the inning when Krahling reached on a Cavaliers error. Actually Giacalone scored four times in the game as he served as the courtesy runner for Krahling in the first half of the game.
The Jaguars return to action on Monday evening at 5:15 at home against Poolesville. The playoff draw takes place on Tuesday, and then Wheaton visits Northwest at 5:15 in the regular season finale at 5:15. The four Jaguars seniors will be honored prior to the Wheaton contest. Round one of the 4A West playoffs takes place on Friday.
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Odds and Ends
May 4, 2006 --
Some items Larry King style (ask your parents)...The JV finished with 51 points for the Hit-a-Thon by scoring 13 runs against Northwood and 15 runs against Watkins Mill, combined with 11 and 12 hits respecitively. Pledge money for JV players is due by Monday. All players are responsible for a minimum of $50 in pledges. The varsity currently has 20 points after its 11 run, nine hit performance against Watkins Mill...Thanks to Mr. Callahan and Mr. DiNardo for serving as "the blue" in the Watkins Mill JV game when the regular umpires did not show...JV players will turn in their uniforms, helmets, and weights immediately following the Kennedy game on Saturday...JV players will have exit interviews with Dr. Bauer on Friday. Please be prepared to tell Dr. Bauer where you plan on playing this summer...Check out the Germantown Gazette from May 3. We have gone from being the worst team in the upper county to a "midling team." No respect yet...The Montgomery County All-Star Game will be played on June 1 at 7 PM at Whitman High School. It will feature the top senior players in the county. The team will be selected by county coaches at a meeting on May 18. Quince Orchard coach Jason Gassaway, B-CC coach Bill Wright, and Wootton coach Joe Cassidy along with an at-large coach to be named will coach the two squads...Please start turning in team party money and RSVP slips. All checks should be made out to Hard Times Cafe. Cost is $16 per person. The entire family is invited. The party is for both JV and varsity members and is from 6:30 to 9:00 on Monday, May 22...The NWHS Spring Awards Night is Wednesday, May 24 at 7 PM in the auditorium. It is a dress up event. The Jaguar Award as well as varsity letters and certificates will be awarded. All JV and varsity players are expected to attend. What better way to celebrate Mark Macauley's birthday...Field Day will be held on the first school day following the last varsity game. We need to bring in the nets and equipment. ALL RETURNING PLAYERS ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND. No excuses, please...Grade sheets will be distrubuted on Thursday for the varsity and Friday for the JV. They are due back Monday. All classes must be filled in...
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Jags Overcome 10-3 Defecit, Win in Last At Bat for the Fifth Time This Year
May 2, 2006 --
Northwest scored six runs in the fifth inning and two more in the seventh to comeback from a 10-3 defecit to beat visiting Watkins Mill 11-10. The win evens the Jaguars record at 7-7 on the season.
The Wolverines jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the second inning, but NWHS battled back for three runs in the home half of the inning. With one out senior Taylor Murdoch walked. Then with two outs junior Garrett Hudler drew a walk to put runners at first and second. Murdoch tried to steal third, but the third baseman dropped the ball, so Murdoch was safe and Hudler moved to second. Junior Peter Marratto then ripped a triple to left center to plate both runners. Marratto then scored on a wild pitch to give the Jaguars the lead.
Disaster struck in the third when Watkins Mill benefited from five Northwest errors and scored five times to go up 7-3. The visitors added three more runs in the fifth thanks in part to three walks, an error and two hits and led 10-3.
The Jaguars comeback started in the home half of the inning. With one out sophomore Bobby Murphy reached on an error then scored on junior Charlie Cononie's triple. Then with two outs, senior Jay Tolan reached on an infield single scoring Cononie. Hudler then singled to center and Marratto walked to load the bases. Junior Zeke Vazquez then singled home Tolan and Hudler to cut the margin to 10-7. Senior Stas Speransky, who extended his hitting streak to 13 games with a single in the third, then doubled to left to drive in two and make it a 10-9 ball game.
Junior Mark Macauley came on to pitch in the top of the seventh and worked out of a jam without allowing a run. Then the magic returned to Germantown for the fifth time this season. With one out Hudler reached second on a Watkins Mill error. Marratto then doubled down the right field line to score Hudler and tie the game at 10-10, and Marratto moved to third on the throw to the plate. Watkins Mill opted to intentionally walk both Vazquez and Speransky to load the bases. With the Wolverines pitcher working from the wind up, junior Jon Brauch was called on to suicide. Marratto got a terrific jump at third. Unfortunately for NWHS the ball went over Brauch's bat. Fortunately, however, the ball also went over the catcher's glove and went all the way to the backstop, allowing Marratto to easily score the winning run on the passed ball. With the win Macauley picked up his third win of the season.
Northwest has now rallied in its last at bat in home games to defeat Seneca Valley, Springbrook, Richard Montgomery, Damascus, and Watkins Mill. The Jaguars have another off day on Thursday before playing their final regular season road game on Saturday at Kennedy. Game time is 2:00.
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Brauch Pitches Jags to 3-2 Win Over Damascus
April 26, 2006 --
Junior Jon Brauch pitched eight-plus scoreless innings and struck out eight batters as Northwest rallied to beat Damascus 3-2 in nine innings. With the win the Jaguars finish 4-3 in the MCPS 4A East Division, good enough for at least third place and depending on results of tomorrow's games, perhaps even a tie for second. NWHS is now 6-7 overall.
Northwest failed to capitalize on several scoring opportunities early in the game, but finally broke through with a pair of runs in the fifth inning. Senior Taylor Murdoch reached on an infield single to start the inning, the second of his three hits in the game. He then scored all the way from first on junior Charlie Cononie's double to deep center. Sophomore Bobby Murphy then pinch hit and bunted Cononie to third. Junior Peter Marratto, the next batter, then laid down a perfect suicide squeeze to score Murphy.
Brauch worked a brilliant six innings of scoreless ball and turned the game over to the bullpen in the seventh inning. Unfortunately, Damascus countered with a walk and three singles to tie the game. In a move that rarely takes place in high school baseball, Brauch was put back in to pitch. He worked out of the jam in the seventh, left runners on second and third in the eighth, and tossed a scoreless ninth to pick up the win.
The Jaguars had a golden opportunity to win the game in the seventh inning. Murdoch doubled to start the inning. Cononie was then intentionally walked and Murphy sacrifice bunted the runners to second and third. Damascus then intentionally walked Marratto to load the bases. Junior Zeke Vazquez then drilled a line drive right at the first baseman. The ball was hit so hard that the Hornets' fielder could not catch the ball, which proved to be bad luck for Northwest. The first baseman picked up the ball and stepped on first to retire Vazquez, then fired a throw to the plate to retire freshman pinch runner John DiNardo, who had properly frozen on the line drive, to complete the inning-ending double play.
After loading the bases again in the eighth and failing to score, NWHS finally scored the winning run in the ninth. Murphy reached on a Damascus error to start the inning and was bunted to second by Marratto. Then with two outs, senior Stas Speransky drilled a shot into the left-centerfield gap to drive home Murphy for the win. The hit extened Speranksy's hitting streak to 12 games.
Northwest now has six days off before returning to action at home on Tuesday against Watkins Mill. Game time is 5:15 to accommodate the AP Exam schedule.
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3 Unearned Runs in First Lead to 5-1 Blake Win over NWHS
April 24, 2006 --
It's becoming a theme. One bad inning. Tonight it was the first as Blake scored three unearned runs on its way to a 5-1 win over visiting Northwest. The Jaguars fell to 5-7 overall and 3-3 in division play.
The game started off well for Northwest. Junior Peter Marratto singled to center to start the game. Senior Stas Speransky reached on an infield single with one out, the junior Jon Brauch ripped an RBI single to center to give the Jaguars a 1-0 lead.
Northwest then gift wrapped three unearned runs with two outs to Blake in the bottom of the first. Defensively the Jaguars wiggled their way out of several jams to keep the Bengals lead at just two runs. But the Jaguars also could not capitalize on several scoring opportunities, including striking out three times with runners on second and third in the fourth inning.
Northwest returns to action Wednesday afternoon at home against Damascus at 3:30.
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One Bad Inning Leads to 10-4 Loss at Quince Orchard
April 21, 2006 --
Despite a good pitching effort from junior Jon Brauch and freshman John DiNardo, Quince Orchard defeated visiting Northwest 10-4. The loss drops Northwest's record to 5-6 and eliminates the Jaguars from division title contention. NWHS is now 3-2 in the division, two games behind QO with two games remaining in the division schedule. The Cougars win gives them the tie-breaker over Northwest.
Quince Orchard scored solo runs in the first and second innings, but it was the five-run fourth inning that proved to much to overcome. Two errors, a missed cut off man and a wild pitch contributed to the QO big inning.
As they have done all year, the Jaguars tried to battle back, scoring four times in the top of the fifth. Junior Garrett Hudler led off with a walk, then senior Jay Tolan doubled to center. After junior Peter Marratto was hit by the pitch, junior Zeke Vazquez hit a bases-clearing double. Senior Stas Speransky followed with an RBI single to center to extend his hitting streak to ten games.
The Cougars added a single run in the fifth and two more in the sixth to round out the scoring. The Jaguars return to action on Monday in their only scheduled night game of the year when they play at Blake at 7:00.
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Another 7th Inning Win as the Jags top RM 4-3
April 19, 2006 --
Junior Peter Marratto doubled and eventually scored on the back end of a double steal to give Northwest a come-from-behind 4-3 victory over visiting Richard Montgomery. The win improves the Jaguars record to 5-5 overall and 3-1 in MCPS divisonal play.
Junior starting pitcher Charlie Cononie worked his second straight terrific game on the mound, but unfortunatley did not pick up the win. Cononie did not allow an earned run in six innings of work, striking out six and allowing only three hits. Junior Mark Macauley came on to retire all three men he faced in the seventh to pick up the victory.
Northwest got on the scoreboard in the first inning when junior Zeke Vazquez tripled down the first base line and came in to score on senior Stas Speransky's grounder to short. The Jaguars made it 2-0 in the fifth when junior Jon Brauch tripled to center then scored on senior Jay Tolan's double to center.
Things turned bleak for Northwest in the sixth when RM scored three unearned runs. With one out the Rockets lead off man reached on the only Northwest error of the afternoon. Then with two outs the Rockets picked up a walk, then executed a double steal to make it 2-1. The next two batters also walked and RM followed that up with a single to center to put the Jaguars behind 3-2.
Undaunted, Northwest battled back for a run in the sixth to tie the game. Vazquez walked to start the frame, the Speransky reached on an error. Vazquez stole third, and two batters later sophomore Bobby Murphy singled to right to drive in Vazquez with the game tying run.
Speranksy doubled in the fourth inning to increase his hitting streak to nine games. Up next, the Jaguars visit rival Quince Orchard on Friday afternoon at 3:30.
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Jags Earn Split in Backyard Brawl
April 11, 2006 --
Junior Charlie Cononie pitched six strong innings and junior Mark Macauley picked up his second save as the Jaguars defeated Blair 6-4 in the night cap of the Silver Spring Backyard Brawl. Northwest fell behind 8-0 in the top of the first and lost at Springbrook 10-1 in the lid lifter of the event.
The Jaguars scored three times in the top of the first at Blair. Senior Joe Braun reached on a single to center and moved to second when junior J.T. Sutton was hit by the pitch. Junior Jon Brauch then laid down a perfect bunt for a base hit to load the bases. Senior Stas Speransky then hit a grounder to short allowing Braun to score. The Blazers forced Brauch at second, but the throw to first was wild, allowing Sutton to score. Speransky moved to second on a wild pitch and to third on sophomor Bobby Murphy's single to center. Speransky then scored on another Blazer wild pitch to make it 3-0.
Blair counterd with two runs in the botom of the first and a single run to time the game in the fourth. NWHS posted a single run in the fifth to re-gain the lead. Senior Jay Tolan led off the inning with a double off the fence in left field, moved to third on a balk, and scored on another wild pitch.
Two more insurance runs came in for Northwest in the sixth. Junior pinch hitter Zeke Vazquez doubled down the first base line to chase home pinch runner Michael Giacalone and Tolan to make it 6-3. Giacalone was running for freshman John Krahling who had reached when he was hit by the pitch for the first of two times, and Tolan reached on a walk.
Blair managed one more run in the sixth before Macauley retired the side in order in the seventh. Cononie worked the six innings in 92 pitches and has been strong in all but one outing this season.
Freshman John DiNardo was impressive in relief in his debut in the opener. Coming on in the third with the Jaguars trailing 8-0, DiNardo only allowed two runs on four hits the rest of the way. Northwest was held to just three hits in the opener. The loan run came in the fourth when Vazquez doubled to open the frame and scored on Murphy's two out single to left.
The two tournament games do not count in the playoff or county standings, leaving the team's record at 4-5 overall and 2-1 in the division. Statistics do count, however. The Jaguars are now off for the Passover-Easter holidays and do not return to practice until April 18. Northwest's next game comes on April 19 at home against division rival Richard Montgomery at 3:30.
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Another Early Hole, Another Loss
April 10, 2006 --
Once again Northwest dug itself an early hole and mounted a late rally, only this time the rally fell short as Blair knocked off the Jaguars 7-5 in Germantown. The game was origninally scheduled for April 8 but was rained out. The non-league game loss drops NWHS to 4-5 overall. The Jags are 2-1 in MCPS East Division league play.
Blair scored twice in the first, once in the third and four killer runs in the fourth to take a 7-0 lead. In the home half of the seventh senior Stas Speranksy lifted a one out single to left. Sophomore Bobby Murphy then doubled to left center to score Speransky. With two outs, senior Joe Braun doubled to right to score Murphy, then freshman catcher John Krahling was hit by the pitch. Junior Charlie Cononie then doubled to left center to plate Murphy and junior courtesy runner Michael Giacalone. Cononie was able to move to third on a throw to the plate but was left stranded.
In the fifth junior Jon Brauch singled to left and moved to second on a wild pitch. Speransky then ripped a shot right at the third baseman and the ball went off his glove into left to score Brauch to make it a 7-5 game.
Northwest threatend in the bottom of the seventh when junior Zeke Vazquez led off with a single to right. Brauch then reached on an infield single to third and both runners moved up on a wild throw by the third baseman. With one out Murphy drew a walk to load the bases, but the Jags could not push anyone across.
Junior Mark Macauley was once again terrific in relief for Northwest. He worked two and a two-thirds innings of scoreless ball. Brauch then came on in the seventh and retired Blair in order on nine pitches.
Northwest returns to action tomorrow at 11 AM at Springbrook in the first game of the Silver Spring Spring Break Brawl. The Jaguars will travel to Blair for a 2:30 re-match with the Blazers in the second game of the Brawl. Neither game counts toward playoff standings.
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April 8, 2006 --
The varsity baseball game between Blair and Northwest scheduled for Saturday, April 8 has been postponed due to rain. There is no practice on Saturday.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY AS IT IS A CHANGE FROM THE ORIGINAL PLAN. The game will be made up on Monday, April 10 AT 2:00 AT NORTHWEST. Blair was originally scheduled to play Einstein in the morning, but that game has been cancelled, so Blair can now play the game at Northwest. Players should meet at Northwest at 12:45 on Monday, dressed and ready to go.
Here is the uniform rotation for Monday and Tuesday. On Monday we will wear the normal home uniform of black top, white pants, and gray and white hat. Wear your new t-shirt to warm up in.
Tuesday we will wear gray pants and the all black hat for both games. In the morning we will wear the gray top and in the afternoon we will wear the black summer shirt that has your name on the back.
We will leave Northwest on Tuesday morning at 9:15. We need to allow time for the rush hour traffic. Directions to Springbrook are available on the left side of this page.
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Jaguars Outlast Magruder 15-12
April 5, 2006 --
Northwest exploded for six first inning runs and seven more in the fifth inning in route to a 15-12 win at Magruder. The victory gives the Jaguars a record of 4-4 overall and 2-1 in the MCPS 4A South.
Sophomore Spencer Pearman led the game off with a single to right field, moved to second on a wild pitch and then to third on an errant pick off throw. Junior Zeke Vazquez then doubled to right to bring in Pearman with the game's first run. Two batters later, senior Stas Speransky singled to left moving Vazquez to third. Sophomore Bobby Murphy followed with perfectly placed suicide squeeze base hit, scoring Vazquez and moving Speransky to second. Junior Garrett Hudler then singled to left to load the bases. Two batters later with two out, junior J.T. Sutton walked to force in Speransky to make it 3-0. Senior Joe Braun then singled to right center to drive in Murphy and Hudler to make it 5-0. Sutton then came in to score on a botched pick play to give the Jaguars the 6-0 lead.
Thanks to three NWHS errors and a passed ball, Magruder was able to score three times in the home half of the first. The Jaguars tacked on another run in the second when Speransky singled home Pearman, who had walked earlier in the inning, to make it 7-3. The Jaguars extended the lead to 8-3 in the third when senior Jay Tolan walked, moved to second when Braun walked, then moved to third then home on consecutive wild pitches.
Magruder picked up another unearned run in the third to cut the Jags lead to 8-4, then scored twice more in the fourth to make it an 8-6 game. The Jaguars then built what proved to be a comfortable but needed cushion in the fifth.
Tolan and Sutton drew back-to-back walks to start the inning. Braun then laid down a perfect bunt that was thrown away by the Colonels' infielder, allowing Tolan to score from second and moving Sutton to third and Braun to second. Pearman then doubled to right center to drive in both runners to make the score 11-6. Two batters later, junior Jon Brauch homered to left giving the Jags a 13-6 advantage. Speransky then reached on his third single of the day. Murphy then drew a walk from a new Magruder pitcher putting Jaguars at first and second. Hudler then delivered a ground ball to the shortstop, who stepped on second to force Murphy. Up came Tolan, the tenth Jag to hit in the frame, and he doubled to left, scoring Hudler with the fifteenth Northwest run.
The Jaguars had trouble dealing with the big lead, however, as NWHS gave up six runs. Junior Mark Macauley came on in relief and was spectacular. The right hander worked a brilliant two and two-thirds innings, not allowing a run and giving up only two hits in recording his first save of the year.
Besides being played in a bone-chilling wind and temperatures in the low 40's, the game was marred by an unfortunate collision in the outfield in the bottom of the sixth. Hudler and Pearman collided chasing a fly ball. While Hudler left the game bruised and dazed, Pearman suffered a season-ending knee injury. Pearman is the third starter to be injured this year, joining senior Taylor Murdoch (first base/pitcher)and junior Peter Marratto (shortstop)on the "DL." After a half hour delay to tend to Pearman, Macauley was able to retire the Colonel batter for the final out of the sixth. In the seventh, Magruder popped out to Sutton at short and flew out to junior Michael Giacalone in left before Macauley struck out the final batter.
After a much-needed off day on Thursday, the Jags return to practice Friday and will host Blair at noon on Saturday. Northwest will then venture to Silver Spring on Tuesday for the Silver Spring Spring Break Brawl.
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Big Innings Lead to 13-5 Sherwood Win over Jaguars
April 3, 2006 --
Home-standing Sherwood used a six run first inning and four run sixth inning to hand the Jaguars their fourth loss of the year, 13-5 in Sandy Spring. Northwest is now 3-4 overall and 1-1 in the MCPS 4A South.
Northwest did not get on the scoreboard until the fourth inning. Senior Stas Speransky reached on an error, moved to second on a ground out, to third on an error that allowed sophomore Bobby Murphy to reach, and then scored on senior Taylor Murdoch's infield single. Murdoch rolled his ankle when he hit the base at first and suffered a sprain that will keep him out of action until after Easter.
The resiliant Jaguars tried to mount yet another comeback in the fifth. Junior Zeke Vazquez reached when he was hit by the pitch to lead off the inning. Junior Garrett Hudler reached on a grounder that forced Vazquez at second. Junior J.T. Sutton then doubled to right to score Hudler. Sophomore Spencer Pearman walked, then Speransky doubled to left to score both Sutton and Pearman. Two batters later, Murphy signled to center to plate Speransky to make the score 7-5. Unfortunately that would be all the runs the Jaguars could muster for the afternoon.
Northwest returns to action on Wednesday when the Jags visit Magruder. Game time in Rockville is 3:30.
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Jaguars Overcome 6 Run Defecit to Beat Springbrook 8-7
April 1, 2006 --
After falling behind 7-1 in the third inning, Northwest capped a wild comeback with three runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to defeat visiting Springbrook 8-7. The win improves the Jaguars' record to 3-3 overall and 1-0 in the MCPS 4A East Division.
Senior Stas Speransky put Northwest up 1-0 in the bottom of the second inning with his second home run in as many games, a flyball the just cleared the fence in straight-away center field. The Jags were unable to hold the lead as the Blue Devils scored five times in the top of the third and twice more in the fourth to go up 7-1.
NWHS began its comeback in the bottom of the fourth. With one out, junior Jon Brauch reached on an infield single, then sophomore Bobby Murphy flaired a single to shallow left. Junior Garrett Hudler then literally doubled off the third base bag, scoring Brauch and chasing Murphy to third. Freshman John Krahling then walked to load the bases. Junior J.T. Sutton then also walked, forcing in Murphy. After Springbrook retired the next two hitters, sophomore Spencer Pearman reached on a Blue Devil error, allowing Hudler to score from third for the third run of the frame.
Northwest added a single run in the sixth when senior pinch hitter Taylor Murdoch walked and then scored on Pearman's triple to right center field. Outstanding relief pitching by junior Charlie Cononie kept the Jaguars in the game as the right hander did not allow a hit and struck out six in three innings. Cononie was lifted for a pinch hitter, then junior Mark Macauley came in and shut down Springbrook in the top of the seventh on just six pitches, ultimately recording his first win as a varsity pitcher.
Once again the bottom of the order came through for the Jaguars in the home half of the seventh. With one out Murphy singled to left then Hudler singled to right on a 3-2 count. Krahling grounded out for the second out, moving the runners to second and third. Sutton then drew another walk to load the bases, and Murdoch did the same, forcing in Murphy to make it a 7-6 game. Senior Jay Tolan then pinch hit and smacked a hard grounder that Springbrook could not field. Hudler scored easily on the play and Sutton hustled in all the way from second for the winning run.
The Jaguars now face back-to-back road games at Sherwood on Monday and at Magruder on Wednesday. Both games are scheduled for 3:30. Northwest returns home on Saturday, April 8 to host Blair at noon.
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Speransky Homers and Drives in Four in Tough Loss at Wootton
March 30, 2006 --
Senior Stas Speransky smacked a two-run double and a two-run home run for Northwest, but it was not enough as the Jaguars fell to Wootton 8-6 in Rockville. The loss was the third straight for Northwest following back-to-back wins to open the season.
After Wootton jumped in front 1-0 in the bottom of the third, Northwest took the lead in the top of the fourth. Senior pinch hitter Joe Braun drew a leadoff walk, followed by sophomore Spencer Pearman’s bloop single to left. The runners moved up on an errant pick off throw by the Wootton catcher, then came in to score with two outs on Speransky’s double to left which gave the Jags a 2-1 lead.
Wootton scored twice in the home half of the fourth to re-take the lead, but the Jaguars battled back to tie the game in the fifth. Sophomore Bobby Murphy reached on a one-out error and was then sacrificed to second by junior Peter Marratto. Murphy then moved to third on a passed ball and scored on an infield single by Pearman.
Wootton scored twice in the fifth to go back ahead 5-3, but the Jaguars came right back in the sixth. Senior Taylor Murdoch reached on a leadoff walk and was lifted for junior pinch runner Mark Macauley. With one out Macauley came in to score on Speransky's first career home run, a blast to left field that tied the game at 5-5.
Wootton scratched out a run in the bottom of the sixth, but Northwest had still another comeback left. Marratto, who had tripled in the first inning, reached on a gutty one out single to left. On Marratto's triple in the first he jammed his thumb sliding into third, yet still managed the single despite the swollen digit. After moving to second on another Patriot passed ball, Marratto scored on Pearmnan's third single of the game.
Unfortunately for Northwest, Wootton leftfielder Sam Bender launched a two-run homer to left with two outs in the bottom of the seventh to give the Patriots the margin of victory. Junior Jon Brauch worked the first five innings for NWHS, and Murdoch was the tough luck loser in relief.
The Jaguars return to action Saturday afternoon at 2:00 when they host Springbrook in the opener of MCPS league play. Northwest is two-time defending 3A/2A/1A county champions, but the Jaguars have moved up to the tough 4A and are now competing in the 4A East Division within MCPS.
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NWHS Held to 5 Hits in Loss to Churchill
March 28, 2006 --
Northwest hitters managed only five hits and squandered a 2-1 lead fifth inning lead in falling to visiting Churchill 7-3. The loss evens the Jaguars record at 2-2.
After the Bulldogs scored in the top of the first, NWHS was able to tie the game in the second inning. Sophomore Bobby Murphy continued his hot hitting with a single up the middle and then came around to score on senior Taylor Murdoch's double to left. Northwest took the lead in the third after senior Joe Braun singled to left and was replaced on the bases by sophomore Spencer Pearman who reached when Braun was forced at second. Pearman then stole second, moved to third on a bad throw from the catcher on the play and then scored when the centerfielder misplayed the catcher's overthrow.
Churchill tacked on a run in the fifth and two more in the sixth. The Jags then scored what would prove to be their final run in the home half of the sixth. Junior Peter Marratto singled to right and moved around to third when the right fielder misplayed the ball. Marratto then came in to score on junior Jon Brauch's ground out.
Senior Jay Tolan worked six and two-thirds innings, allowing all seven runs, with three coming in the seventh with two outs. Junior Mark Macauley came on to relieve Tolan and recorded the final out.
Northwest returns to action on Thursday at 3:30 when the Jaguars visit Wootton.
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Gaithersburg Deals Jaguars First Defeat
March 25, 2006 --
Northwest lost for the first time in the 2006 season on Saturday, falling at Gaithersburg 5-3. The Jaguars completed a grueling three game in three day stretch with a respectable 2-1 record.
Northwest jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Junior Peter Marratto reached on an infield single, stole second and moved to third when the catcher's throw went into center field. Junior Jon Brauch then hit a slow roller to third, allowing Marratto to score on the RBI ground out.
Gaithersburg went ahead 2-1 with single runs in the first and second innings before the Jags managed to tie the game in the top of the third. With two outs, sophomore Spencer Pearman singled, stole second, and came in to score on Marratto's RBI single to right field. The black and silver managed to take a 3-2 lead in the fourth inning. Sophomore Bobby Murphy reached on a walk and went to second on a Trojan wild pitch. With two outs junior Charlie Cononie hit a slow roller up the first base line that was fielded by the pitcher. The pitcher dropped the ball as he tried to tag Cononie, allowing Cononie to be safe at first. Murphy displayed heads up base running, scoring all the way from second when he realized the plate was not being covered on the play.
Unfortunately for Northwest, the Trojans scored twice in the fifth to take the lead and tacked on an insurance run in the sixth. Pearman started the game on the mound and worked three innings, allowing one earned run and leaving with the score tied. Junior Bobby Croat retired the side in order in the fourth before allowing two runs in the fifth and one in the sixth. Senior Taylor Murdoch finished the sixth inning without allowing a run.
Northwest returns to action on Tuesday when the Jaguars host Churchill at 3:30.
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Jaguars Improve to 2-0 with Gutty Comeback win over Seneca Valley
March 24, 2006 --
Northwest overcame a 2-0 defecit to defeat rival Seneca Valley 3-2 in eight innings on Friday at Jaguar Field. Trailing 2-1 senior Stas Speransky's two out triple to right center scored sophomore Spencer Pearman in the bottom of the sixth inning to tie the game. The Jaguars were finally able to score the winning run in the bottom of the eighth inning.
Junior Peter Marratto led off the inning with a sharp single to right, and was advanced to third on Pearman's opposite field double. Seneca Valley then opted to intentionally walk junior Zeke Vazquez to load the bases. Against a drawn up infield, junior Jon Brauch smashed a shot to shortstop that the Screamin' Eagles were unable to handle, allowing Marratto to score from third with the winning run.
Brauch was also the winning pitcher for the Jaguars. The right hander worked four innings and did not allow a run and gave up only two hits , struck out one, and did not walk a batter. Junior Charlie Cononie worked the first four innings for Northwest, surrendering just one earned run and two overall.
After falling behind 2-0 in the top of the third, Northwest was able to get on the board in the home half of the frame. Sophomore Bobby Murphy singled, moved to second on a wild pitch, then scored with two outs on a Pearman single to left-center. The tying run was set up in the sixth when Pearman drew a lead off walk and stole second. Speransky, who was replaced earlier in the game, then stroked his triple when he re-entered. Speransky, Pearman, and Murphy each had two hits in the contest.
With the win, Northwest improves to 2-0 on the young season. The Jaguars will play their third game in three days when they visit Gaithersburg on Saturday afternoon at 1:30.
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Jaguars Capture Opener
March 23, 2006 --
Northwest finally opened its eighth season of baseball with a 4-2 victory at B-CC this afternoon. Senior Jay Tolan fired a complete game, needing only 67 pitches to finish off the seven innings.
The Jaguars snapped a scoreless tie in the top of the fourth inning on sophomore Bobby Murphy's two out single to left that plated junior Jon Brauch, who had reached early in the inning on a one out single. After the Barons tied the game in the home half of the fourth, Northwest took the lead for good in the top of the fifth. Junior Peter Marratto reached on a B-CC error and later in the inning came in to score when Marratto stole third and the throw to third went wild allowing the junior to score. In the sixth inning, Brauch reached on his third hit of the day. With two outs, Murphy doubled to right sending Brauch to third. Junior J.T. Sutton struck out with what would have been the third out of the inning, but the catcher misplayed the ball, allowing Brauch to score from third as Sutton reached safely at first.
Sophomore Spencer Pearman singled to center to start the visiting seventh, moved to second on a ground out, and scored on senior Joe Braun's fielder's choice, beating the throw to the plate.
Despite three errors, the Jaguars turned in several outstanding defensive plays. Pearman caught a fly ball in center field and gunned down the runner at the plate trying to tag and score from third for the final two outs of the fourth inning. The Jaguars also got out of a jam in the sixth by picking a Baron off second base for the final out.
In his seven innings of work, Tolan fanned two, did not walk a batter, and did not allow an earned run. Only in the seventh inning did B-CC send more than four men to the plate.
Up next for Northwest will be yet another attempt to play cross-town rival Seneca Valley. The game was originally scheduled as the opener, but was postponed on Tuesday due to extreme cold and then postponed again on Wednesday due to a bomb threat closing Seneca Valley early. The Jags and Screaming Eagles will meet at 3:30 at NWHS.
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Opener Against Seneca Valley Postponed Twice
March 22, 2006 --
After playing all seven scheduled scrimmages in the first half of March, the 2006 Jaguars are having a tough time playing a real game. The opener, scheduled for March 21 at home against rival Seneca Valley, was postponed due to extreme cold and a forecast of snow. With the wind chill factor in the mid-20's, nine of the scheduled eleven games in the county were postponed until March 22.
Dressed and ready to play on March 22, the Jaguars were notified at about 2:10 that they Seneca Valley would not be able to play. A bomb scare forced the county to evacuate Seneca Valley and send the students home before the end of the school day. Along with that decision came the decision to cancel athletic activites for March 22 at Seneca Valley because the teams did not have access to the school.
The game with Seneca Valley is now scheduled for Friday, March 24 at home at 3:30. The Jaguars will now open their season on Thursday, March 23 at B-CC at 3:30. The Barons are coming off of a tough 5-4 loss at Wootton on Thursday.
The JV game against Seneca Valley was also postponed and will now be played on March 24 as well. The JV opens now at home against B-CC on March 23.
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Stuff You Should Read
March 14, 2006 --
For those of you old enough to remember his columns in USA Today, this one will be done in Larry King style...Meet the Teams Night is Wednesday, March 15 at 7:00. It begins in the auditorium and moves to classrooms. All players are required to attend and parents are strongly encouraged to attend. Players are to wear ties, nice pants and nice shoes. This is a chance for the coaches to introduce the program to parents...Picture day is also Wednesday, March 15. Pictures will take place after school. Players should bring their CLEAN uniform to school. Pack it the night before. Do not forget anything (hat, belt, shirt, socks, pants, shoes)....The varsity scrimmage originally scheduled for Friday, March 17 is now on Thursday March 16 at NWHS. The JV will still scrimmage on March 17 at Gaithersburg...This is money time. All players must purchase the baseball "kit." This includes two game hats, game socks, a shirt with the player's name and number on the back, and a t-shirt. The kit is $75, and checks should be made out to Northwest High School...Orders for pullovers and Under Armour are due on March 15. Purchase of these items is optional. See the handouts for more details...
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Kirby Puckett, 1960-2006
March 7, 2006 --
Yesterday baseball lost an amazing player, a Hall of Famer, an ambassador, a friend. Much like his career, Kirby Puckett's life was way too short. You know, I don't think anyone could picture "Puck" as an old guy. I guess some people like Elvis and Marilyn Monroe are not meant to ever be "old."
Of course, the first thing you think of when you think of the former Twin is the smile. You think of his upbeat personality. You remember the bounce in his step and how he played each and every game as if it were a World Series game.
And, boy, could he play the game. He looked like a pear, a Weeble, if you would. He had stumpy legs and a gut. But he could run, and jump, and throw, and hit, and hit with power after his first couple of Major League seasons. 10 All Star games in 12 years. A lifetime .321 batting average. Surely he would have reached 3000 hits had his career not been cut short when he woke up one morning and could not see out of one of one of his eyes.
Puck's lasting legacy, however, will be that he came up big in big games, just like all superstars do. A World Series title in 1987. Another one in 1991 when he single-handedly carried the Twins to a win in Game 6. For folks too young to remember, I am sure that Game 6 of the 1991 World Series will be on ESPN Classic this week. Watch it. His amazing catch in the third inning to steal a home run from Ron Gant was topped in the 11th inning with a solo home run to give Minnesota the win. The homer, one of four hits he had that night, is one of the great TV calls of all-time by the late, great Jack Buck. "Gone! And we'll see you tomorrow night!"
Puckett grew up in the Chicago projects, one of nine kids. He was the runt, the baby. He was from a basketball area. Yet he worked so hard that he made himself into a first round draft pick by the Twins. In return, he rewarded the Twins with 12 great years, playing his whole career in Minnesota. He is one of those rare athletes that can be identified with only one name, Kirby. Or as the Twins' P.A. announcer used to say, "Kir-beeeeeeeeeeeeee PUCK-it!"
If anyone ever tells you that you are too small or too slow to play, look at Kirby. If you want a role model on how to approach each and every game, be it Spring Training, the regular season, or the World Series, look at Kirby. If you are having a bad day, look at a picture of Kirby. The smile is infectious.
I don't know how the Twins will be able to take the field today. He is the reason why I wear number 34. Perhaps we should all wear number 34 today and try to play just a little bit like Kirby Puckett.
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Saxman Steps Down
February 17, 2006 --
Pitching coach Gene Saxman informed returning players in a brief meeting yesterday that he will be unable to return this season as the Jaguars pitching coach. Saxman, who worked with former coach Jim Tapley for one season and for three years with current coach Matt Noble, is a full-time employee with Hewlett-Packard. Reorganization at Hewlett-Packard does not allow Coach Saxman to get to practices or games in the late afternoon.
During Saxman's tenure, he helped develop all-star pitchers Jesus Melendez, Mike Beck, Jensen Pupa, and Brady Stouffer, as well as all of the pitchers that have pitched for NWHS in the past four years. Saxman charted pitches during games and also called the pitches for some of the Jaguars pitchers during games. In addition to his pitching duties, Saxman pitched batting practice and worked with position players as well.
Coach Saxman's knowledge and dedication to the game as well as his upbeat and positive personality will be greatly missed. The door remains open for Coach Saxman to return to the program should his job at Hewlett-Packard permit him to do so. The players and coaches wish him well and hope to see him at future games and practices when he is available.
Noble will take over working with the pitchers as well as the outfielders. Returning assistant Todd Varesco will oversee catchers and infielders. Both will be responsible for hitting and game day operations.
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Scrimmage Schedule Under Way
March 5, 2006 --
Both the varsity and JV braved blustery, cold conditions as they opened their 2006 scrimmage schedule on Saturday by hosting Springbrook. The varsity will return to scrimmage action on Tuesday when Sherwood visits Jaguar Field. Both teams will hook up with Walter Johnson on Thursday with the varsity playing at home and the JV heading to Bethesda. Action begins on both days at approximately 3:30.
On Saturday, March 11 the opposition will be Rockville with the varsity traveling and the JV staying at home. Both will begin at 11 AM. On Monday, March 13 the varsity will head to Walt Whitman for a 4:00 scrimmage, then both teams will head back to the field on Tuesday, March 14 against Sherwood. On the 14th the varsity will be away and the JV at home. Both teams will round out their scrimmage schedule on Friday, March 17 against Gaithersburg, with the JV playing away and the varsity at home. Scrimmages on the 14th and 17th will start at approximately 3:30.
Both teams open the season on March 21 at 3:30 against Seneca Valley with the varsity playing at home and the JV at Seneca Valley.
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Pop Up Blocker
February 15, 2006 --
Be sure to disable your pop-up blocker when visiting this web page. We use the pop-up window to give you daily updates on practice and games.
In case you have not disabled your pop-up blocker, all RETURNING players need to report to Room 102 on Wednesday, February 22 at 2:30. We will be putting up the nets on the batting cages and porty and will also be taking the equipment down to the field. Please dress warmly.
ALL players trying out for JV or varsity baseball must attend a meeting at the start of lunch on Monday, February 27 in Room 102. If you have not picked up or turned in your forms, please see Mr. Noble ASAP.
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Toomey, Legion Team, Conditioning and Hoodies
January 24, 2006 --
Here is an update on several items of interest. First of all, we will resume workouts with Coach Toomey at the Hitting Streak on Wednesday, January 25 starting from 4:00 to 5:30. ON JANUARY 25TH, PLEASE BRING $25 FOR THE SESSION. ON THAT DAY WE WILL DETERMINE THE DATES FOR THE REST OF THE SESSIONS WITH COACH TOOMEY. PLEASE BRING CASH OR A CHECK MADE OUT TO MATT NOBLE. THIS IS AN UPDATE FROM THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE. We must have a minimum of six players sign up to conduct these sessions. If you plan on attending, please e-mail Coach Noble this weekend at NWHSBaseball@aol.com to let him know. More information will be available at school on Tuesday.
There will be a meeting for all players interested in playing American Legion baseball for Post 295 this summer and/or next summer. It will be held in Room 102 at 7 PM on Monday, January 30. Parents are invited to attend. Coach Price and Coach Noble will both be in attendance. ALL players that are interested in playing either this summer or in the upcoming years should attend this meeting. For more information, e-mail Coach Noble or see him in school on Tuesday.
Conditioning will begin on Tuesday, January 31 at 2:30. We will meet in Room 102. The sessions will run every Tuesday and Thursday through February and will last until 3:30. Be prepared to run and stretch either inside or outside. No cleats/spikes are needed because any activity outdoors will be done on hard surfaces.
Finally, the re-ordered hoodies should be in by the end of next week. Thank you for your patience.
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Directions to Coach Toomey's Clinics
December 7, 2005 --
Take 270 to the Beltway towards Northern Virginia (Tysons Corner). Get off at River Road towards Washington. Travel about 3.5 miles past Kenwood Country Club, which will be on the left. You will soon see a walking bridge over top of River Road. Just past the walking bridge will be Butler Road. There is a 7-11 and Shell station there. Turn right onto Butler Road. Go to the bottom of the hill and Next Level Training Center will be there. Give yourself a good thirty minutes to get there.
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Winter Workouts with Mike Toomey
November 30, 2005 --
Mike Toomey, the former head coach at George Washington University and current scout for the Washington Nationals, will once again be available for individual and small group work during December, January, and early February. Many NWHS players have worked with Coach Toomey during the past two winters.
Coach Toomey will be available on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. He will conduct two sessions each evening. The first will go from 7:30 to 8:30 and the second from 8:30 to 9:30. These sessions will be held at a new indoor complex in Bethesda. Ideally Coach Toomey would like to work with five or six players during each hour long session.
If we can get five or six interested players from NWHS, he will conduct a session for only NWHS players. Otherwise, players will be mixed in with players from other schools. We would like to take a group down on Thursday, December 8 to introduce players to Coach Toomey. After that players can work out a time to work with Coach Toomey on an individual basis. There is no limit to the number of times you can work with Coach Toomey. Some players have worked with him once or twice a week and some have worked with him every other week, and some have worked with him just once or twice.
The cost to be in a group session is $30 per session, payable at the end of each session. Players that would like to work with Coach Toomey on an individual basis can discuss arrangements with Coach Toomey.
Interested NWHS players should contact Coach Noble in Room 102 or at NWHSBaseball@aol.com as soon as possible so Coach Noble can make arrangements with Coach Toomey. These sessions are strictly voluntary.
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Former Jag Wes Fry Named to College All-Academic Team
November 14, 2005 --
VALDOSTA, Ga. - The Shenandoah University football team achieved a new first Wednesday afternoon when it was announced that two of its members earned ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District III honors.
Junior cornerback Justin Mosser and sophomore linebacker Wes Fry were both named to the team in voting conducted by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). Both men will now move onto the national ballot for selection as an Academic All-America.
To be eligible for Academic All-District, student-athletes must have at least a 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale and be a starter or important reserve for their team. Mosser carries a 3.47 as a Business Administration major while Fry has a 3.56 GPA in Public Information/Political Science.
Mosser, who had his season cut short by a concussion suffered in the NC Wesleyan game on October 22, co-leads the Hornets with two interceptions. He also has 30 tackles and three passes defended.
Fry is third among linebackers with 42 tackles (15 solo). In his first season as a starter, Fry has a high of nine tackles set in the Ferrum contest on September 24.
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Hooded Sweatshirts Available
November 8, 2005 --
Returning players can purchase black hooded sweatshirts that will have Northwest Baseball printed on the front of them. The cost of the "hoodies" is $24 a piece, $27 for triple extra large (XXXL). Players may also purchase hoodies for family members. Order forms were passed out at a brief meeting on November 8. Forms and checks payable to Athletic House are due to Mr. Noble by the end of lunch on Monday, November 14. Players are NOT required to purchase a hoodie. This is merely an option. Parents that would like to buy a hoodie for a player as a holiday gift or alumni players that would like to purchase a hoodie can contact Mr. Noble at NWHSBaseball@aol.com or can see him in the press box at the football game on November 11. Please direct any further questions to Mr. Noble in Room 102 or via e-mail.
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New Mound and Batters Boxes
November 6, 2005 --
On a beautiful Indian Summer Saturday morning and early afternoon on November 5, several parent and player volunteers under the direction of professional groundskeeper Tim Moore of Newsom Seed rebuilt the pitcher's mound and the batters boxes of Jaguar Field. The job involved digging up part of the exsisting mound and laying clay bricks. After the bricks were put into place, a gas plate tamper was used to smooth out the dirt and bricks. Then a half-inch layer of dirt was added to complete the mound. The mound is now regulation size, slope, and height. Clay bricks specifically designed for baseball fields are used to make the mound sturdier and to keep large holes from developing during games and practices. With only dirt in the mound, these holes eventually cause the mound to erode away.
Clay bricks were also put in both batters boxes to avoid large holes from forming at home plate. Two-and-a-half inches of dirt was removed from the exisiting boxes so the bricks would lie flush with the ground. The bricks are then covered with a thin layer of dirt. The infield dirt was also raked, the bases were staked, and trash was picked up from around the field.
The Northwest baseball program greatly appreciates Mr. Moore's time and expertise. In addition, thanks to returning players Taylor Murdoch, Stas Speranksy, Brandan Yohn, Geoff Zgorski, Tyler Schemehorn, and Patrick Drengwitz for their five hours of labor. These players will be relieved of equipment duties the first two weeks in March. Also, thanks to Mr. Tolan, Mr. Zgorski, and Mr. Yohn for their help as well.
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Field Day Postponed, Re-scheduled for November 5
October 14, 2005 --
The field day scheduled for Saturday, October 15 has been postponed due to wet grounds. The new field day will be on November 5 from 8 AM until 1 PM. Please pass the word around.
The week of rain made the field too sloppy to work on rebuilding the pitchers mound. Hopefully drier weather will be available on the re-scheduled date.
We understand that some students are taking the SAT's on November 5, and that is fine. Returning player attendance is voluntary and appreciated.
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Annual Field Day on October 15
September 30, 2005 --
Our annual Field Day will take place on Saturday, October 15 from 8 AM until 1 PM. Parents, alumni parents, players, and alumni players that would like to help are invited to attend.
The primary job this year is to rebuild the pitcher's mound. Tim Moore, a professional baseball groundskeeper, will be in attendance to supervise this project. We will need at least four or five other adults to help with this job. We will also pull the few weeds we have in the infield dirt, rake and drag the dirt, edge the baselines, clean up the batting cage area, pick up trash, and take down the scoreboard for the winter.
In the event of rain or wet grounds the field day will be postponed to November 5. For more information see Mr. Noble in Room 102 or e-mail NWHSBaseball@aol.com.
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Meeting for New Candidates for 2006 Season
September 26, 2005 --
Boys interested in trying out for JV or varsity baseball for the 2006 season should attend an information meeting on Wednesday, October 5 in Room 102. The meeting will begin at 11:15. Please bring your lunch.
This meeting is for all grades. Players that played for NWHS last year do not need to attend this meeting.
Necessary forms, schedules, calendars, and other information will be given out at the meeting. Required forms need to be turned in before players can participate in pre-season conditioning or try out for the teams.
Practice and try outs begin on March 1. Prospects must have at least a 2.0 GPA in the second marking period for the 05-06 school year in order to try out. For more information, see Coach Noble in Room 102 or in the office inside of Room 102 before school or during lunch.
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Meeting for Returning Players on September 21
September 6, 2005 --
A meeting for ALL returning varsity and JV players will be held at 11:00 in Room 102 on Wednesday, September 21. Please bring your lunch to the meeting. Schedules, calendars, and forms for the upcoming 2006 season will be handed out. Players should also know their fitted hat size (try one on in the mall if you are not sure), your shirt size, and your waist size (in inches).
100% attendance is expected at this meeting. You are being given plenty of notice. This date has been cleared with Coach Trivers for returning players that are currently playing football. If you are NOT planning on playing baseball in 2006 but played in 2005, please stop by and let Mr. Noble know. Hopefully all returning players will be trying out again this year, but again, please let us know if your plans are taking you in a different direction.
All gentlemen at NWHS that are playing in a fall baseball league are asked to bring their fall schedules by to Coach Noble as soon as possible. Memebers of the coaching staff would like to see some fall games, especially games involving players that are trying out this fall and did not play at NWHS last year. Please bring your schedule to Room 102.
A meeting for players wishing to try out for JV or varsity baseball that did NOT play last season will be held in early October. A date will be announced in the very near future.
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August 6, 2005 --
The 2006 varsity and JV baseball schedules have been released by MCPS. The eighth season of baseball at Northwest features an opening day game against rival Seneca Valley as well as four of the final five games at Jaguar Field.
The varsity campaign kicks off on Tuesday, March 21 when the Screaming Eagles visit NWHS at 3:30. Two days later the Jaguars take to the road for the first time when they visit B-CC at 3:30. Saturday, March 25 finds the Jaguars at Gaithersburg at 1:30, followed by a home date on Tuesday, March 28 against Churchill. Northwest then heads back to the road to visit Wootton on Thursday, March 30. Both games will be at 3:30.
The Jaguars then meet two of the three Montgomery County teams that are now in the 4A North Region. On Saturday, April 1 Springbrook will visit Northwest at 2 PM followed by a road game at Sherwood on Monday, April 3 at 3:30. Northwest heads back to the eastern side of the county on Wednesday, April 5 when the Jaguars visit Magruder, also at 3:30.
Spirng Break begins with a regular season contest on Saturday, April 8 at home at noon against Blair. Three days later the Jags will return to the Silver Spring Backyard Brawl when Northwest visits Springbrook at 11:00 and Blair at 2:30 on Tuesday, April 11. Wednesday, April 12 will serve as the rain date for the tournament. No games or practices are allowed from Thursday, April 13 through Monday, April 17.
Richard Mongtomery will visit Jaguar Field on Wednesday, April 19 at 3:30, followed by a road game at defending 4A state champion Quince Orchard on Friday, April 21 at 3:30. For the second straight season Northwest will play under the lights at Blake, with a 7 PM first pitch scheduled at the 3A North school on Monday, April 24.
The Jaguars return home for four home games in their final five games with a contest against Damascus at 3:30 on Wednesday, April 26. Northwest then gets six days off to rest arms before playing host to Watkins Mill on Tuesday, May 2 at 5:15. The final road game of the regular season takes place on Saturday, May 6 at Kennedy at 2:00.
The week of May 8th features two home games and the start of the 2006 playoffs. NWHS hosts Poolesville at 5:15 on Monday, May 8 and wraps up the regular season at home two days later with a 5:15 home game against Wheaton. The 4A West Region playoffs get under way on Friday, May 12.
The JV schedule is basically the same as the varsity with games being played at the opposite sites. The JV opens at Seneca at 3:30 on March 21, followed by a home game against B-CC at 3:30 two days later and a road game at Gaithersburg at 10:00 on March 25. Both the varsity and JV Gaithersburg games will be at Gaithersburg.
The JV will visit Churchill at 3:30 on March 28, then will come home to play Wootton on March 30 at 3:30. The team will then travel to Springbrook for a 2:00 game on April 1. On April 5 NWHS will host Magruder at 3:30 in the final game before Spring Break. After Spring Break the JV visits Richard Montgomery on April 19 at 3:30, then hosts QO on April 21 and Blake on April 24 with both games starting at 3:30.
On April 26 the NWHS JV will be at Damascus at 3:30. The squad will then host Northwood on April 29 at 10 AM. The final JV road game is scheduled for May 2 at Watkins Mill at 3:30, and the season concludes on May 6 with a 10 AM home game against Kennedy.
Seven scrimmages have been scheduled prior to opening day. Both teams will host Springbrook on March 4 with the varsity playing at 11 AM and the JV at 2:00. The varsity will host Sherwood on Tuesday, March 7 and the JV will practice at NWHS. On March 9 the varisty hosts Walter Johnson and the JV will visit WJ with both scrimmages starting at 3:30. On Saturday, March 11 the JV will host Rockville and the varsity will visit Rockville with both scrimmages beginning at 11 AM.
The JV travels to Whitman and the varsity will host the Vikings on Monday, March 13 with both starting at 3:30. Both teams will meet Sherwood on March 15 at 3:30 with the JV playing at home and the varsity playing away. The scrimmage schedule wraps up on Friday, March 17 with both teams meeting Gaithersburg at 3:30. The varsity will be at home and the JV will be away. As a rule, scrimmages that are cancelled due to weather are not re-scheduled. A couple of scrimmages may be re-scheduled if possible.
In 2006 Northwest moves to the 4A West Region, which is comprised of all Montgomery County schools. The region is made up of Whitman, Churchill, Walter Johnson, Gaithersburg, Watkins Mill, Wootton, Blair, Richard Montgomery, Magruder, Quince Orchard, Damascus, and Northwest.
For county title purposes the Jaguars will compete in the 4A East Division with Blake, Springbrook, Sherwood, RM, Magruder, Quince Orchard, and Damascus. Northwest is the two-time defending 3A/2A/1A county champion, but moves up to the 4A for the first time in school history. The largest 25% of schools in the state of Maryland make up the 4A, with those schools split into four geographic regions for playoff purposes.
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