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Catoctin wins 2003 1A South Regional---- Hagerstown wins 2003 Maryland State 1A Championship
Click on pitcher for complete MPSSAA playoff update info.
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Montgomery Journal Newspaper Release- Baseball All County Selections
June 4, 2003 --
Poolesville Falcons Brandon Poole(Sr-2b) and Phillip Howard(Jr-Catcher) were selected by the Montgomery Journal Newspaper as Baseball All-County honorable mentions for their 2003 performance.
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Brandon Poole will represent Falcons in County All Star Game
2003 Senior Brandon Poole will be representing the Poolesville Falcons at the Montgomery County All Star game to be played at Whitman May 28th. Brandon had an outstanding season playing 2nd base and leading the Falcons in hitting with a .412 batting average.
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Brunswick 6 Falcons 0
May 12, 2003 --
Poolesville wrapped up the 2003 season this afternoon on the short end again going down to Brunswick 6-0. Rain and wind prevailed most of the game but it didn't stop Brunswick from banging out 10 hits while playing flawless defense.
Falcon starter Jon Masden had a respectable outing giving up 3 earned runs over 4 innings. Andrew Ramey and Ryan Lawrence came on in relief to close out the game.
Phillip Howard was certainly a bright spot on a rainy afternoon going a perfect 3 for 3 at the plate. Howard blasted a long double to leadoff the 7th only to be one of 4 Poolesville runners stranded today.
With the loss the Falcons are eliminated from regional play while Brunswick advances on Wednesday.
Photo: Senior Jon Masden pitching his last game as a Poolesville Falcon.
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Frederick News-Post Release
May 13, 2003 --
Blumenauer has big day
By Bill Cauley
News-Post Staff
BRUNSWICK -- Tommy Blumenauer had everything going for him in Brunswick's win over Poolesville on Monday in the Class 1A South baseball quarterfinals.
The senior southpaw shut out the Falcons (2-12) on a four-hitter with six strikeouts and had three hits with two RBIs in a 6-0 win, sending the Railroaders (8-9) into Wednesday's regional semifinal game against visiting Oakland Mills at 4 p.m.
"I think my fastball was my best pitch today," Blumenauer said. "I had good control over it, but the other stuff was working pretty good too."
"I told Tommy the key is when you can throw a curveball for a strike when you're behind in a count," Brunswick coach Roger Dawson said. "He did that just fine."
The only Poolesville player able to figure out Blumenauer's pitches was catcher Phillip Howard, who went 3-for-3 with a double.
Blumenauer also singled in the first, fifth and sixth innings and drove in one run each in the first and fifth. Brian Baugher and Justin Tucker each had two hits for Brunswick. Tucker doubled in a run in the third, while Baugher singled in a run. Zack Williams had a one-out double in the second.
Brunswick's two big innings were the third and fifth, where it scored two runs each. "We play 'em one (run) at a time," Dawson said. "That's the way it's been for us this year. We didn't play all that well, but we got the runs when we needed them and a win is a win."
"We did play well in the first half of our season," Poolesville coach Will Gant said. "But we lost five one-run ball games. That was tough and at times it was a little frustrating. But the upside to this is we're going to have six players with a lot of experience back for next year."
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WHITMAN SHOOTS DOWN FALCONS 8-0
May 6, 2003 --
Whitman (3-13) scored all 8 runs in the first two innings tonight to defeat the Falcons 8-0. Poolesville managed only 4 hits including a double to deep left by Phillip Howard. The Falcons failed to score while leaving 9 stranded in the game.
Andrew Ramey (0-3) went the distance for the Falcons giving up 8 runs (6 earned). Ramey struck out 3 tonight while walking two.
Poolesville (2-11) is back in action tomorrow afternoon at 5:15 on Senior Day. Thursday the Falcons will play a make-up game at Wheaton.
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EAGLES BLANK FALCONS 10-0
May 2, 2003 --
Seneca Valley pounded Falcon pitchers for 10 hits in to win 10-0 this afternoon. The Falcons were plagued again by errors as 7 of the 10 Eagle runs were unearned.
Sophomore Andrew Ramey had a solid double to center in the 5th. Poolesville only produced 2 hits on the afternoon.
The Falcons play Whitman at 7 Monday night.
Photo: Brandon Poole at the plate with a base hit.
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OUCH!! FALCONS SHUTOUT 16-0
May 1, 2003 --
County powerhouse Watkins Mill showed why they were a favorite to win the 4-A State Championship this afternoon shutting out the visiting Falcons 16-0. Poolesville got 5 hits in the loss.
The game was called after 5 in compliance with the 10 run rule. Watkins Mill's heaviest hitting barrage came in a ten run fourth inning to put away the Falcons.
Poolesville's record is now 2-9. Seneca Valley comes to the Nest tomorrow for a 3:30pm game.
Photo: Falcon getting dirty!
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RALLY FALLS SHORT-EINSTEIN DROP FALCONS 6-5
April 30, 2003 --
Another one run game!!!!
Poolesville rallied for 3 runs in the 7th but it wasn't enough as Einstein stopped the Falcons 6-5 this afternoon. Falcon bats were not the problem today as Poolesville came through for 10 hits including a lead off double by Jack Cook to open the fourth.
The Falcons got off to a shakey start in the first as the Titans scored 3. One of those runs was unearned on an outfield error. The Falcons got the bats going in the third as Brandon Poole and Jon Masden singled. Poole then scored as when Kevin White hit to the Titan shortstop who threw wildly to first. It was the first of 4 Titan errors on the day.
The Falcons scored one in the 5th. Einstein answered back with 3 more in their half making the score 6-2.
After a scoreless 6th by both teams, the stage was set for the exciting finish in the 7th. Brandon Poole singled to center to open the inning. Masden popped up to the catcher for the first out. Phillip Howard singled and then both Poole and Howard scored on an infield error making the score 6-4. A single by Andrew Acienzo followed. Jack Cook came to bat and singled another run home making the tally 6-5. With Ascienzo at third and Cook at second the Falcons looked ready to put the Titans away. Ryan Lawrence hit a sharp line drive to 3rd. The Titans (4-6) doubled off Ascienzo to seal the win. The Falcons fall to 2-8.
Photo: Kevin White gets a base hit to spark a Falcon's rally.
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FALCONS LOSE 2-1 IN PITCHERS DUEL
April 29, 2003 --
Poolesville lost their 4th one run game this season as Rockville nipped the Falcons 2-1 in a tight pitcher's duel.
Rockville's Cory Hoover and Falcon pitcher Jon Masden (1-1) went wire to wire in a tight game. Both Ram runs were unearned. In the first inning a combination of an infield error and walks by Masden put the Rams on top 1-0. Poolesville struck back in the 4th as Phillip Howard singled home Mike Tedeschi for the only Falcon run of the day. Howard's single was the extent of the Falcon's hit production today
In the 7th, the Rams scored the go ahead run on a mishandled Rockville bunt.
The Falcons now fall to 2-7 on the season and play at Einstein tomorrow.
Photo:Phillip Howard's single to left field.
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Gazette News Release - 4/30/2003
Baseball playoff rule to stick
by James Peters
Staff Writer
Despite a final plea from Paint Branch coach and county sport director Paul Fahrner Monday, the Maryland Public Secondary School Athletic Association will not bend concerning its baseball playoff policy that forces teams to play at least 14 games to be considered for each region's top four seeds.
Being seeded among the top four has several advantages. The rest of the seeds (No. 5 and up) are lumped together in a blind draw. Also the top four seeds almost always get a first-round bye.
That ruling will hurt some of the county's better teams such as Paint Branch (9-1), who will play a maximum of 13 games before Monday night's playoff draw. All games that count toward the seeding must be played by this Saturday.
"They're not bending any way," Fahrner said. "It's possible for us to be 12-1 [but not be seeded]."
Other teams that will be affected by that decision are Bethesda-Chevy Chase (6-3), Damascus (8-2) and Wootton (7-1). All three will fall short of the required 14 games, but would have been top-four seeds.
"According to Paul Fahrner, Ned Sparks said us folks in Montgomery County should schedule more ballgames," Barons coach Bill Wright said. "Most county's schedule 18 games. We schedule 16. We need to put more ballgames on the slate. It's tougher on pitching but it gives us more opportunities to get 14 games. I'm for playing more ballgames.
"I don't like that fact that we have a good record [and won't be seeded] but I guess you have to have a cutoff somewhere. Definitely, it's an advantage to be seeded. It saves a pitcher. You've potentially got four ballgames. If you only have to play three, it sure helps."
That lack of seeding those top teams could lead to some earlier than expected match-ups such as Wootton facing Damascus in the first round.
"It's pretty frustrating," Wootton coach Joe Cassidy said. "If we were to win out this week ... we could be 11-1 and first in our division. We would have beaten everybody with the exception of Gaithersburg and not earn a bye in the playoffs. It's not our fault."
Rain outs and the insertion of a week-long spring break have been the main culprits in creating this situation. The state's policy of allowing a maximum of four games a week has further hampered things, forcing teams to move make-ups later and later into the season.
"I wanted to play Wootton on Monday but there were no umpires," said Quince Orchard coach John Lubenetski, whose team should play the required number of games. "If you can't get an umpire, you get stuck."
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CATS EDGE FALCONS 3-2
April 25, 2003 --
A sixth inning late rally fell short today as Poolesville went down to Walter Johnson 3-2. Ryan Lawrence went the distance for the Falcons scattering 7 hits and walking only one in an impressive outing.
The Falcons managed 5 hits including two in the sixth on a leadoff single by Andrew Ascienzo and a triple by Phillip Howard.
The Falcons jumped on top early taking a 1-0 lead in the first. The Wildcats came back and led 3-1 before the rally in the 6th. The Falcons came up with nothing in the seventh.
The loss runs the Falcons record at 2-6. Poolesville takes on Wheaton tomorrow afternoon in a doubleheader.
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ERRORS COSTLY AS FALCONS ARE GROUNDED 4-0
April 23, 2003 --
Five costly infield errors enabled BCC to push across 4 unearned runs in a 4-0 victory this afternoon in Bethesda.
The erratic defense erased an outstanding pitching performance by sophomore Andrew Ramey (0-2). Ramey gave up five hits while commanding excellent control.
Poolesville managed only 2 hits on the afternoon. Singles by Brandon Poole and Mike Tedeschi were only to be taken out by two BCC double plays. The Barons defense was excellent making big plays throughout the game.
The Falcons fall to 2-5 on the season and will take on Walter Johnson Friday afternoon at 3:30 at the Nest.
Photo: Andrew Ramey one of the bright spots on a sunny day.
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ROCKVILLE RAMS KNOCK OUT FALCONS 9-5
April 12, 2003 --
Poolesville's record fell to 2-4 on the rainy season with a 9-5 loss this afternoon to Rockville at Gaithersburg High School.
The Rams drew first blood in the bottom of the first, tagging senior starter Mike Tedeschi (1-1) for four runs. Ryan Lawrence came on in relief in the third and finished the game giving up only 2 earned runs.
The Falcons continued to struggle at the plate getting only 7 hits. Sophomore Chris Kramek and Mike Tedeschi had two hits each while Kevin White collected two RBIs in a losing effort.
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Gazette News Release- 4/9/2003
Poolesville loses late
by James Peters
Staff Writer
A late collapse against Northwest Saturday denied the Poolesville baseball team a sweep of its two games last week.
The Falcons (2-3) started that two-game campaign with an 11-1 victory Kennedy last Thursday. Jon Masden allowed one hit and one run in the five-inning affair. He struck out nine and walked three to earn his first victory of the young season.
Phillip Howard (.400 batting average) and Jack Cook (.267 BA, 6 runs batted in) produced two hits and three runs batted in to pace the team offensively. Brandon Poole (.500 BA) went 2 for 3 with a run and an RBI. Mike Tedeschi (.278 BA), Kevin White (.278 BA) and Masden knocked in a run apiece. One of Howard's hits was a double and White belted a triple.
Poolesville couldn't make it two for two as Northwest (3-4) rallied back for a 5-4 victory Saturday. The Falcons led 4-1 going into the top of the sixth inning but the Jaguars rallied for two runs in the sixth and one in the seventh. Cook (0-2) took the loss as he allowed a run in 1 1/3 innings of relief work. Tedeschi (1-0) allowed four runs, three earned, in his 5 2/3 innings.
Masden paced the team's offense with two hits and an RBI. Tedeschi and Poole also knocked in a run apiece.
Poolesville was slated to play two games before spring break, including Thursday's contest with Seneca Valley (5-2).
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JAGS CLIP FALCONS 5-4
April 5, 2003 --
Northwest pushed the go-ahead run over in the top of the 7th to defeat Poolesville today 5-4. Coach Gant was pleased with the team's performance, "overall we played well today. I've told the kids we are only 1 big play away from winning these games." Two of the three Falcon losses have been in one run games.
Mike Tedeschi started today and held the Jags at bay until the 6th inning when Northwest scored two. Jack Cook came on late in the 6th and took the loss.
The Falcons managed only 6 hits. Jon Masden had two hits including a second inning run scoring double.
Poolesville goes 2-3 into Monday's game against Einstein.
Photo: Falcons #1 Fan at the game- Bill
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FALCONS RIP KENNEDY 11-1
April 3, 2003 --
Poolesville put it all together this afternoon disposing Kennedy quickly 11-1. The game was called after 5 innings because of the 10 run rule.
Falcon pitcher Jon Masden went the distance allowing only one hit late in the 5th inning while striking out 9.
The bats also were smoking today with two hits each by Jack Cook, Phillip Howard and Brandon Poole. White added a triple while Howard hit a 3rd inning double.
Coach Gant commented, "We really put all the elements of our game together today to get this win...pitching, batting and defense were all there."
The Falcons even their record at 2-2 and take on Northwest Saturday at the Falcon's Nest.
Photo: Jon Masden on the mound going the distance for the Falcons.
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FALCON BATS SILENT IN 10-0 LOSS
March 29, 2003 --
Two Gaithersburg pitchers shut out the Falcons this afternoon with no-hit pitching as Poolesville went down 10-0. The Falcons managed only 3 baserunners all on walks. Defense once again plagued the Falcons committing 5 errors.
Gaithersburg, a very well balanced 4A team, goes 3-1 with the victory this afternoon. Poolesville is now 1-2 with a chance to even their record Monday afternoon at Einstein.
Photo: Senior Jack Cook on the mound.
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FALCONS EDGE CHURCHILL 7-6!
March 27, 2003 --
Poolesville exploded for a 5 run 6th inning rally to run past Churchill this afternoon 7-6. The Falcons bats came alive with 10 hits. Brandon Poole, Phillip Howard and Kevin White each had two hits as the Falcons evened the season record at 1-1. Mike Tedeschi picked up the win on the mound with a save from Ryan Lawrence.
The win gives new head coach Will Gant his first victory as Falcons Head Coach. Afterward Coach Gant commented, "we put the ball in play today and did things well. It feels good to get the win."
The Falcons return back to action against 4-A powerhouse Gaithersburg Saturday afternoon 1:30pm at the Falcon's Nest.
Pictured above: Coach Gant (20) goes over the game after the Falcons 7-6 win.
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Ryan Lawrence- video (click here)
PHS pitcher Sophomore Ryan Lawrence strikes out another batter in victory against Churchill..
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Falcons Lose in 8 Innings 8-7
March 25, 2003 --
Richard Montgomery pushed across the winning run in the bottom of the 8th with two outs to beat the Falcons in extra innings 8-7. The Falcons jumped on top 5-0 early, but a 7 run 4th by the Rockets erased the advantage. The Falcons came back to tie the game but came up short in the end. Andrew Ramey pitched solidly in an outstanding relief appearance giving up only one unearned run. Andrew Ascienzo led the Falcons hitting with a double and single. Jack Cook had 2 RBI's.
Pictured above: Senior Jack Cook steps to the plate on opening day.
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MEET FALCONS NEW HEAD COACH-WILL GANT
February 11, 2003 --
Will Gant has been named Falcon's Head Baseball. Mr. Gant is currently a physical education teacher at Roberto Clemente Middle School. He most recently served as Assistant Coach in the varisty baseball program at Quince Orchard High School in 2002. Before that, he was head baseball coach from 1999-2001 at Jewish Day High School in Rockville in the highly competitive Potomac Athletic Conference. Over his three years at Jewish Day, Coach Gant compiled a 29-14 record. Coach Gant is married (Katy) with 3 children Jack (5), Billy (3) and Erin (1).
Mr. Gant attended Shepherd College where he played football. He is a 1988 graduate of Churchill High School where he was named an All-Met Football Player. He was also named to the Coaches' All Star Team in baseball in 1988.
Coach Gant recently answered a few questions about his program:
Q: What will you be working on the first few weeks of practice?
Coach Gant: We will stress the basics..fundamentals, defense, moving runners..
We will be a solid defensive team. With good pitching and solid defense, I feel we can win any game that we play. We will be focusing on routine plays in the field.
Q: What do you see as strengths and areas of development with this team?
Coach Gant: We have 6 seniors that will be returning for us this year. They are already prepared to take on the needed leadership roles. We also have solid young talent. The question for us going into the year will be can our seniors elevate themselves to the next level? Also, how will the young players respond on the varsity level?
Q: What are your goals for this season?
Coach Gant: Our goals will be to earn a top seed in the regionals (that gives us a start at home) and go on to win the region. That qualifies us for the state final four. We will then be in a postion to contend for the state title.
Q: What teams in our division and region do you see as the teams to beat?
Coach Gant: Boonesboro is the team to beat in the state. They are the state champs. Catoctin won the region and Brunswick was seeded behind us. We will have to wait and see what other teams do during the season.
Q: What type of working enviroment do you want to create for this team?
Coach Gant: Baseball is a fun game to play. The players will work hard, but also enjoy playing the game.
Thanks for your time Coach and Good Luck!
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The Field Looks Great-Falcons Prepare For 2003
March 20, 2003 --
Poolesville prepares to kick off the 2003 Season against Wheaton Friday. Heavy rains could postpone the opener. The field looks better than ever. Falcons new Head Coach Will Gant commented, "we could not done all of this without the players and parents help. THANK YOU. We will hopefully begin our season tomorrow. In the future, we will attempt to add a bullpen mound as well as replace the batting cage net. Any help is greatly appreciated. If you can help contact me at will_gant@fc.mcps.k12.md.us".
When asked for a progress report, Coach Gant offered, "we continue to work hard in practice and on our fielding. Our pitching and defense will be the things that carry us through this season. Offensively, we need to be more agressive at the plate. Overall, we have three main goals this season: to gain a top 4 seed in our region; win our MCPS Division and finally to put ourselves in a position to win our regional tournament."
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Car Wash Raises $804- A Major Success
May 3, 2003 --
The Poolesville High School Baseball CAR WASH fund raiser was a success. On a sunny spring Saturday afternoon the players raised $804!
One customer in a white car with a dog noted:
" I hope these guys can play baseball better then they can wash cars".
The Coach and team members would like to thank the Poolesville community and Dr. Pike for their support. A very special thanks to Mr. Duffy, Mr. Lawrence, Mr. Phillips and Mr. Champagne for all of their extra effort.
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MESSAGE TO PARENTS FROM COACH GANT
April 4, 2003 --
At our parents meeting, there were those of you who indicated they would like the pitching machine to be our number one priority on our needs list. I have checked on that and the price is approximately $1,600, shipping not included. We also need a replacement batting cage net. That will cost $650.
Parents can donate money for these items at any time. Please see me and I will put you in touch with Mr. Riley. Because of the budget issues, Mr. Riley said that if he orders anything through the school, he will need to have the money in his hand to order.
Thanks for your support.
Coach Gant
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