Published: May 14, 2008 10:36 pm            

Dawson standing on familiar ground

DAWSON — This is not Bubba Medrano’s first go-around in the playoffs.

The senior shortstop and Dawson Bulldogs have now advanced to the Class 1A, Region II Quarterfinals three consecutive seasons after a sweep of Gorman in the area round last week.

In his final year at Dawson, Medrano is determined to play for a state title.

“This is my last year,” Medrano said. “And it is time to step it up.

“We really want to get to Austin and we think we have a really good chance.”

While a cracked vertebrae suffered during the 2006 football season restricted him in last year’s postseason, nothing has limited him this year from displaying his talent.

With a batting average of .517, 45 runs scored, 38 RBIs and eight home runs, Medrano has proven to be one of the best offensive players in the area.

He also delivers on the mound, striking out 44 batters in 27 innings pitched, while holding a season record of 5-1 with an ERA under 1.00.

“He is just the kind of kid that raises his game,” coach Brian Gaylor said. “He has been able to carry his production from the regular season into the playoffs over the last three years.”

Next for the Bulldogs will be Valley Mills — a team they have beaten in the playoffs the last two years.

Despite Dawson’s recent dominance of the Eagles and a season record of 23-1, Medrano has learned from his brother’s experience that you can’t take any team lightly in the playoffs.

His older brother Michael Medrano — a pitcher for the Navarro Bulldogs — expressed to him the disappoint he felt after Navarro’s early exit in this years Region XIV tournament.

“My bother was telling me how hurt he was that they were knocked out,” Medrano said. “It is all about who’s hot and who’s not.

“Navarro had the record for most wins in a season for them, but couldn’t win when they needed to.”

This, however, is an experienced and determined group of Dawson seniors. It is the same group that put on their jerseys as for the first time as freshman and now hold a career record of 99-17-1 over the four year span.

“Dylan Nesmith, Jerome Tennison and a lot of these guys have been raising their level of play,” Gaylor said. “But this is the time of the year where it can end and there is no tomorrow.”

Dawson will play Game 1 against Valley Mills, Friday at Hill College in Hillsboro with a scheduled start time of 7 p.m.. Game 2 will be played at noon Saturday with Game 3 following 30 minutes after the conclusion of Game 2 if necessary.



Dawson vs. Valley Mills (Best of 3) 

at Hill College

in Hillsboro

Game 1: 5 p.m., Friday Game 2: Noon, Saturday Game 3: 30 minutes after game two, if necessary.



Directions from Dawson: Take Highway 31 West to Hubbard. Turn right at N. Magnolia Ave/ TX-171 and follow for 23.4 miles. Continue on S. Covington Street for .2 miles and turn right at Lamar Street.

— Google Maps

        

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