Athletics News

Indians set to square off with Wesleyan in first-ever playoff appearance

The Indians embark on Thursday to take on #1-seed Wesleyan in the Class 1A Private State Tournament. For TFS, it marks an historic occasion, as the program has never before made the playoffs.

With the hiring of head coach Justin Pollock, this was precisely what Tallulah Falls School had hoped would happen, though setting a new single-season wins record and making state in the first season is certainly ahead of schedule.

TFS is 13-12 overall on the season, and went 7-8 inside region play to earn the fourth seed out of Region 8-A Private. Pollock has had a solid group of senior leaders, including former All-State catcher Chathan Clouatre and star infielder/pitcher Trent Thomas.

Thomas has led the offense with a .343 batting average, 2 homeruns, and 22 RBI along with 18 runs scored and nine stolen bases. He is also 5-2 on the mound with a 2.35 ERA to go with 42 strikeouts. Clouatre has a .250 average with 11 RBI and a team-high 26 runs scored along with 11 stolen bases. Others who have statistically led the way include Joel Miller (12 RBI, 20 R, .500 OBP), Frankey Moree (14 RBI, 10 R), Cainan Yaskiewicz (.289 AVG, 8 RBI, 9 R, .421 OBP) and Aubrey Higgins (5-2, 3.33 ERA, 75 strikeouts). 

The Indians had two four-game winning streaks this season (school record) and two shutouts (school record). The 13 wins is the most in school history as well, and includes a win over a top-ten ranked opponent.

"We made the playoffs our goal in September 2020," says Pollock. "Our guys believed and worked tirelessly to achieve that goal. We are excited for the opportunity to do something that has never been done. Wesleyan is well-coached and has some very talented players and we are excited to compete against them."

TFS takes on Wesleyan on Thursday in a double-header. It is a best-of-three series, with game three to be played on Friday if necessary.