Warriors will count on pitching depth

In Chris Olsen’s second year at Matoaca High School, the Warriors experienced another successful season. They finished 14-5, but didn’t make the playoff run they hoped for, falling at the hands of Douglas Freeman in the first round of the regional tournament.

Gone are three key contributors: Hunter Vaughan (club baseball at Longwood University), Justin Parker (North Carolina Central University) and Jacob Waltman.

The Warriors will have a lot of options and depth on the mound this year.
Juniors Troy Whitaker, Brandon Arrowood, Chase Garrett and Marcus Dreher should all see time on the bump. Look for Whitaker to take the reins as the team’s ace. Two sophomores will fill out the battery, with Tanner Clements and Ryan Fahy handling the duties behind the dish.

“Clements is a big kid (6 feet, 205 pounds) with lots of power,” Olsen said. “He hits for average also, and has a great arm behind the plate. He’s a hard worker.” 

In the infield, expect Arrowood and Garrett to lead the way from the corners when they aren’t pitching, with senior Ethan Everhart at shortstop.

In the outfield, Matoaca has two strong performers in second team All-State outfielder Lucas Carmichael, a junior who verbally committed to William & Mary, and the athletic Dreher, who played quarterback for the football team.

The Warriors will face a typically tough schedule, including two dates with the reigning state champions Prince George and one with St. Christopher’s, which won the independent school state championship.