CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Northeast High Eagles and Rossview High Hawks both traveled to Clarksville High for a first-round matchup in the 13-4A district tournament on Wednesday, May 1. While Northeast High took an early lead in a pitcher’s duel, the Hawks scored three unanswered runs late in the contest to take a 3-1 victory as they advance to the next round.
Early on into the game, neither offense could muster up much production, even though each team was able to get baserunners aboard. Then, Northeast junior Jackson Meece stepped up to the plate and singled to right field in the top of the fourth. With Meece’s single, the Eagles broke the tie and secured a 1-0 lead.
Meanwhile, Northeast starting pitcher Cam Skaggs threw a complete game against one of the best offensive teams in all of Tennessee. Skaggs only allowed six hits during his start and had thrown a shutout against the Hawks through four innings. Eagles head coach Charles Ratliff was proud of Skaggs and told Clarksville Now he is optimistic for the rest of the tourney.
“Cam has stepped it up his last couple outings,” Ratliff said. “He’s made them earn it at the plate. Hats off to Rossview, they played a heck of a game. We’re still in the tournament, and hopefully we get to see these guys again.”
After being shutout through the first four innings, Rossview’s offense began to heat up in the fifth and sixth innings when they scored 3 runs to take a 3-1 lead. With the Hawks securing the lead, Rossview relief pitcher Cole Jobe closed out the game and secured the win after allowing only one hit and no runs in 2.2 innings pitched.
Following their loss, Northeast High will face Springfield in an elimination game on Thursday, May 2, at 4 p.m. As for Rossview, they’ll matchup with Clarksville High in the winner’s bracket for the third matchup between the two programs this season. The Hawks and Wildcats split the season series, 1-1 and their next matchup is scheduled for Thursday, May 2, at 7 p.m.
When asked what his message to his team, Holman told Clarksville Now it’s simple, “Win two games before you lose two games.”