by DAVE FACINOLI

Staff Writer

Time will tell, but the memories and results of a disastrous 2002 campaign are what could drive the Langley Saxons this spring.

BASEBALL

Coming off a district championship the previous season, Langley was projected to be one of the top teams in the Northern Region last year. However, the Saxons finished 6-16, which included an 0-7 start. This spring, things are already better for the high school team. Langley opened its season last week with a 6-2 win over the host South Lakes Seahawks. Its second game against Annandale, which was scheduled for Friday, was postponed because of rain.

Hard-throwing senior right-hander Jay Sborz struck out 13, walked two and tossed 102 pitches in six innings of work to get the win against South Lakes. Langley senior outfielder Jon Greenwich had three hits and drove in three runs for the Saxons. Sborz had two runs batted in.

Having Sborz in the lineup to start the season is a big advantage for Langley. Sborz missed the first handful of Langley’s games a year ago for disciplinary reasons. Without him, Langley never got on track.

With a fastball clocked in the mid-90-mph range, the 6-foot-4 Sborz is the hottest pitching prospect in the region. Dozens of pro scouts were on hand to watch him throw against South Lakes. Sborz is also a good hitter.

Langley coach Jeff Ferrell said the Saxons need a strong season from Sborz, both on the mound and with the bat.

More so, though, Ferrell said the Saxons need to maintain the focus they had against South Lakes.

“The main thing against South Lakes is we were very, very focused,” Ferrell said. “That’s more than I’ve seen here in the past. I believe we have a strong team bond this season, and last year’s results drive that. If we are not on the same page as a team, we will struggle. We have to work hard every day.”

Sborz and Greenwich are two of Langley’s veterans. Sborz starts at shortstop when he’s not pitching. Greenwich and Sborz are two of just five seniors included on Langley’s otherwise young team.

Ferrell is starting four sophomores. They are catcher Nicholas Zahra, second baseman Jason Potter, third baseman Alex Gregory and center fielder Chuck Eller. Potter had a hit, scored two runs and swiped two bases against South Lakes. Another sophomore, right-hander James Saris, could wind up as Langley’s No. 3 or 4 starting pitcher.

“If we’re going to have those sophomores on varsity, they need to play,” Ferrell said.

Junior right-hander Russell Blankinship is Langley’s No. 2 starter on the mound. He plays shortstop when Sborz is pitching. Blankinship struck out two in one inning of work against South Lakes. Eller, a left-hander, and junior Nick Houston can also start. Houston and junior Adam Hoffer are outfielders. Junior Alex Schneider starts at first. He had a hit and an RBI against South Lakes.

Langley’s other three seniors are first baseman/designated hitter Tim Stefanou, catcher/DH Jesse Gorin, and outfielder Jared Miller.

Langley is scheduled to play defending region and Group AAA champion Madison this Friday at 6 p.m. in Vienna in the Saxons’ Liberty District opener. Sborz is scheduled to pitch that game.