By Staff
By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
Austin Thompson crushed the ball to one of the farthest places on the field Tuesday night. Unfortunately for the Pam Pack, Havelock left fielder Matt Schubert was there just in front of the warning track to catch the ball and secure a 6-3 win in eight innings at Futrell Field.
The Rams (8-11, 4-6) pushed across three runs in the top of the eighth to take the Coastal Conference win over the Pack (3-13, 1-12). It spoiled Senior Night for Washington. The six seniors — Lee Watkins, Trent Whitehead, Jeffrey Boyd, Dean Smith, Graham Fulcher and Zach House — were honored prior to the game.
Whitehead gave Washington a 1-0 lead in the first inning. The senior led off with a sharp single into right field and he quickly proceeded to steal second base.
A wild throw into the outfield on the play allowed Whitehead to race all the way home.
The Rams took a 2-1 lead in the third on consecutive singles by Bobby Dorman, Schubert and James Varner.
Schubert’s RBI single in the fourth increased the advantage to 3-1.
That helped end the night for Smith, who allowed the three runs on eight hits. The senior struck out five and didn’t walk a batter.
Washington tied it in the fifth. Whitehead led off with a single and he advanced to second on a passed ball. Thompson’s single into left plated Whitehead. Thompson later scored on a throwing error when Billy Craig reached on a fielder’s choice, knotting the game at 3-3.
It stayed that way until the eighth. Washington reliever Josh Woolard was cruising until then, retiring seven straight at one point and striking out six in three innings of work.
However, he ran into some problems in the eighth. With one out, Woolard walked two straight and then gave up a single to Chris Dorman to load the bases. That ended the night for Woolard, who surrendered three runs on two hits in 3 1/3 innings.
Fulcher came on and Johnny Godette greeted Washington’s third pitcher with a two-run single into right. After the Rams loaded the bases again, Morgan Harris drew a walk to force in another run to give Havelock a 6-3 lead.
Washington threatened in the bottom half by loading the bases. Fulcher, who had two doubles in three previous at bats, reached on an error and House singled up the middle. That meant the end for Havelock starter Glenn Noble, who got the win. He allowed three runs (one earned) on nine hits, striking out nine and walking one.
Havelock reliever Tyler Gohn, who ended up with the save, got two outs before walking Whitehead to load the bases. Thompson’s shot into left c ame up a little shy of a winning grand slam as Havelock escaped with the win.
While the seniors didn’t go out on a winning note in their home finale, they have left a mark on Vaughan.
The Pack finishes the season Friday at West Carteret.
Havelock 002 100 03 — 6 11 4
Washington 100 020 00 — 3 9 0
WP: Glenn Noble; LP: Josh Woolard; S: Tyler Gohn
Hitters: H — Bobby Dorman 3-5, James Varner 2-4 (RBI), Matt Schubert 2-5 (RBI), Morgan Harris 1-2 (RBI), Anthony O’Brian 1-3 (2B), Chris Dorman 1-3, Johnny Godette 1-4 (2 RBIs); W — Trent Whitehead 2-4 (2 runs), Graham Fulcher 2-4 (2 2Bs), Austin Thompson 2-5 (RBI), Lee Watkins 1-3 (2B), Billy Craig 1-3, Zach House 1-3.
Lee Watkins and Whitehead earn annual awards
By KEVIN TRAVIS
Sports Editor
As Lee Watkins stood in his chin guards overlooking Futrell Field, he bore a striking resemblance to his cousin, Trent Watkins.
The senior, who was about to play the final home game of his baseball career, couldn’t help but get nostalgic. He had good reason to be, as a No. 8 was painted behind home plate, while another No. 8 hung from the fence in left field.
They are there as reminders of Trent Watkins, a former Pam Pack catcher who was killed in a tragic motorcycle accident on April 7, 2004.
Another way Trent Watkins is remembered is through the Watkins Athletic Award in Memory of Trent Emery Watkins, which is presented annually on his birthday. Trent Watkins would have been 23 on Tuesday. The award, a $500 scholarship, is the brainchild of his Watkins’ parents, Kim and Wayne Watkins.
An award is presented to two senior male student-athletes each year. One award goes to a football player and the other to a baseball player.
The athletes are selected by the coaching staff of their respective teams. In order to receive the award, the athletes must demonstrate strength of character and integrity;
a positive attitude with the determination and drive to win; and an unquestionable dedication to the team.
Lee Watkins couldn’t help but be moved when he found out he was receiving the award from his Pam Pack football coach, Sport Sawyer.
Lee Watkins was a standout fullback and linebacker for the Pam Pack football team. Sawyer said he was an easy choice for the honor.
Trent Whitehead, an East Carolina University-signee, earned the award from his Pam Pack baseball coach, Darin Vaughan. Whitehead has been on the Daily News’ All-Area Baseball First Team the past two years.
Whitehead was humbled by the recognition.
Trent Watkins Athletic Award Winners:
2004 — Jonathan Davenport (football) and John Brown (baseball)
2005 — Nigel Rodgers (football) and Josh Fulcher (baseball)
2006 — Mat Tanner (football) and Jonathan “Peanut” Chandler (baseball)
2007 — Lee Watkins (football) and Trent Whitehead (baseball)