Jefferson High School Head Coach John Lowery, SR just won his 998th game and 9th state title against like 230 setbacks as the Cougars from Shenandoah JCT, WV won their 9th state title ...



The ninth title

By MATT POLING / Journal sports writer


CHARLESTON — In 20 trips to the state baseball tournament, Jefferson had hit exactly one home run, that coming one year when the event was in Parkersburg where the fences were relatively short.

For many years the event was held in the cavernous Watt Powell Park, and for the last three years in Appalachian Power Park, also a large minor league park.

So when lefty Drew Stevens touched off a mammoth three-run homer well over the right-center field fence in the first inning of the Class AAA state title game, Jefferson knew it was its day.

Actually, it was Jefferson’s inning.

The Cougars used four hits, five walks and a hit batsmen to score nine runs in that inning. It was more than enough as Jefferson cruised to an 11-4 victory over Woodrow Wilson to claim its ninth state championship, all under coach John Lowery.

“Coach (Lowery) has been saying to us all week not to try to hit home runs,” the Cougars third baseman said. “I got all of it, (but) I didn’t know it was gone until I got to first.”

The home run surprised Lowery if for no other reason than rarely ever seeing one by his team in the tournament.

“He hit it on the sweet spot,” Lowery said. “The home run couldn’t have come at a better time.”

By the time Stevens came up again, the Cougars (34-4) had added to the lead thanks to three walks by Woodrow Wilson starter Seth Allen, who lasted only one-third of an inning and took the loss to fall to 3-1. Brandon Campbell notched a two-run single and Colton Gustines drove in a run with a groundout to make it 6-0.

After Matt Tiano drew a two-out walk and Justin Grantham was beaned to load the bases, Stevens strolled to the plate with a chance to virtually put the game away.

Instead, he nearly popped out. But the ball just dropped foul into the dugout despite catcher Lanny Meadows getting a glove on it. Stevens took advantage of the second chance and roped a bases-clearing double off the left-center field wall to make it 9-0.

“We wanted to get out on them early so we didn’t have all the pressure at the end,” said Stevens, who finished 2 for 3 with six RBI and a run. He also came in relief of winning pitcher Justin Carey (2-0) and hurled the final 2 2/3 innings.

Stevens could do no wrong it appeared. Prior to moving to the mound, Stevens was involved in an odd play when he snared a line drive off the bat of Kevin O’Donnell. Allen, who was on first base, was caught in between first and second and appeared as though he would be doubled-up at first. Stevens threw to first, but the throw got away from him and went over to the wall.

Allen broke for second, but the Stevens’ throw was so hard, it bounced all the way to second baseman Bobby O’Donnell, who made a snap throw to second base to get the out.

It was a play that epitomized the game for both teams. The Cougars did very little wrong, despite the three errors in the scoreline.

Jefferson added two more runs in the sixth when Stevens walked and Hash doubled before a balk on reliever Drew Trump brought Stevens’ courtesy runner Aaron Frazee home. Kyle Koppenhaver then singled home Hash for an 11-1 lead.

Despite a rough start and tough sixth inning, Trump did a solid job in relief, especially when considering he had to come in from the field in the first inning. Starting Allen, however, was never a question for coach Mark Daniel.

“(Allen) had been consistent all year. He didn’t have his control today,” said Daniel, whose team finished 17-11. “He just didn’t have his best stuff.”

The early lead did as much to relax Jefferson as it did to deflate the Flying Eagles.

“Sure, it was (deflating),” Daniel said of the early deficit. “It was just a little too big of a hole.”

Said Tiano, “As soon as we get out on somebody we know the game was ours. We’re not going to let down.”

For Lowery, the title was as satisfying as any of the previous eight. That’s due in part to the character of his players.

“I like this one as much as any,” Lowery said. “I’ll always remember the first (title) and I’ll always remember this one. This group’s special.”

For the seniors, many of whom were either bit players or not on the 2005 state title team, it was a sweet victory, especially since they lost in the state semifinals last year when they were heavy favorites.

“This is different than that one. You’re the seniors and that means that much more,” said Hash, who along with Tiano, Campbell and Stevens were named to the all-tournament team.

Congratulations to the Cougars! That's certainly an exciting accomplishment!!

The KY High School tournament isn't for a couple more weeks (we just have one... no classes). State semi's start this week though which is a match up of regional tournament winners.

Best wishes to all our HS'ers still playing ball!!