by DAVE FACINOLI

Staff Writer

The Liberty District high school baseball season begins this week, and a lot is unknown about the league. That’s because there are two new schools in the district this spring, as well as two departures.

In a preview put together by the eight head coaches of the district’s teams, the Madison Warhawks and the Langley Saxons were considered the favorites to win the 2006 league pennant. Those two teams were chosen to finish on top because both return a number of key players from last season’s teams.

Langley finished 19-5 in 2005 and second in the district tournament to W.T. Woodson, which has been hit hard by graduation. Madison finished 10-11 a year ago, but the Warhawks return many players from that team, which lost four one-run games and four others by four runs or fewer.

BASEBALL PREVIEW

The Stone Bridge Bulldogs are one of the newcomers along with the Jefferson Colonials. Stone Bridge is expected to be a contender for the title. With only two returning starters and a new head coach, Jefferson could be in a rebuilding year.

The McLean Highlanders had a strong season in 2005. They finished 13-5 and lost in the district tournament semifinals. McLean also has a new head coach, in John Thomas, and the Highlanders graduated many front-line seniors. So this spring could be a bit of a rebuilding year, as well, for McLean.

The Marshall Statesmen were the surprise post-season team in 2006 with a couple of upsets. Marshall has been picked to finish in the middle of the pack by the coaches.

That selection seems a bit low, considering Marshall returns many top players from last season, including numerous seniors, such as pitcher Blair Delean, first baseman Jordan Culbreath, shortstop Jeff Miller, second baseman Curtis Nadeau, third sacker Stephen Gooding, catcher Alan Stoupa and outfielders Patrick McClain and Jake Orndorff. Junior pitcher Ryan Goss is another returner.

With a number of returners, Madison will be more experienced in 2006. Some of Madison’s top returners are senior pitcher/outfielder Mark Riffee, senior infielder Joey Hayes, senior outfielder/infielder Josh Carter, senior pitcher Sterling Sams, junior pitcher Jason Farley, junior first baseman Arman Moniri, junior infielders Rich Conlon and Brian Smith and junior catcher Alex Andrews.

Langley’s top returners are senior pitcher Bryce Morrison, senior first baseman Alex Dadisman, senior outfielder Danny Brown, senior second baseman John Dammer, senior third baseman Kevin Corey and junior shortstop Tommy Tysse.

Top returners for McLean are senior pitcher/first baseman Shane Mills, senior outfielder Kyle Meagher and senior pitcher Danny Bell.