Expectations are on the rise for the American Legion Texarkana Razorbacks, who begin their summer campaign Saturday against the East Texas Broncos at Joe Blagg Field.
"I've been doing this for seven years now, and I would have to say that every year is optimistic," Razorbacks manager Dane Peavy said. "Every year you always have a year to make it to the state championship. That is still the No. 1 goal for us is to win a state championship.
"The level of excitement in me and the level of excitement to see these kids play is that this group could be special. This could be one of the best groups to ever come through."
With any good team, pitching is paramount, and with the Razorbacks Peavy believes he will have a plethora of the best arms in the state.
Righty Zac Harrington was the team's ace two years ago after battling injury last summer and spending last year at Southern Arkansas University.
Right-hander Patrick Flanagan was Arkansas High's top pitcher, and lefty Hunter Lewis of Gurdon has signed with SAU.
Genoa Central's right-handed ace Justin Swecker is a University of Arkansas-Monticello signee, and Horatio righty Tanner Vaught has also signed with SAU.
Taylor's Logan Vidrine, a right-hander, was a big part of the staff last year, and Hope righty Austin Stubber will split time on the hill and at first. Smackover's Beau Burson will pitch and play outfield, and Texas High's Zack Phillips, once fully recovered from an injury, could help on the mound and in the outfield.
Lefty Austin Cross is also joining the team after finishing up his career at Ashdown before playing at Henderson State University.
"We have more depth than at pitcher than I have ever seen since I have been here," Peavy said. "The six kids we have coming up from the junior team and the eight seniors that we have from last year's senior team has a brotherhood and camaraderie that is special. That is the main quality that you want to see in a group of guys that come from different schools and try to jell together.
"It may take us a little while on the field, but later on we should be fine. Last year we had a lot of guys coming in and out. Having camaraderie and being together is the biggest key."
Handling the catching duties will be returnee Will Smith of Junction City and Horatio's Cole Boyd.
Stubber and Smith will share first base, along with Magnolia's Parker Ribble, who will also fill in at third and outfield. Nashville's Nick Myers returns at second base, Magnolia's Matt Goodheart will play third and outfield, and Spring Hill's Riley Orr is expected to handle shortstop duties.
Also returning in the outfield will be Blake Hall of Magnolia, and Burson will also help in the outfield.
"We want to go throughout the season and progress; that is No.1 goal for our kids," Peavy said. "The No. 1 goal for the team is to start small. First, we want to win the Zone championship, then work our way up to state championship, then regional championship.
"And I don't think it's out of realm of possibility to say this team may go to the World Series. It wouldn't be a failure if we don't go to the World Series. If we don't go to regionals, it would be a disappointment."
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2016 TEXARKANA RAZORBACKS
Date=Site-Opponent=Time
May 28=East Texas Broncos=2 p.m. DH
May 29=Texarkana Indians=2 p.m. DH
May 31=x-Benton McLendons=6 p.m. DH
June 2=East Texas Broncos=8 p.m.
June 3=T.H.A. Styx 18=8 p.m.
June 4-5=Brandon Warren Razorback Invitational=TBA
June 10-12=Phil Sandoval Memorial tournament=TBA
June 17-19=Missouri tournament=TBA
June 28=x-at El Dorado Oilers=6 p.m. DH
July 2-4=y-Southwest Illinois Firecracker tournament=TBA
July 6=x-at Little Rock Post 1=6 p.m. DH
July 11=x-at Bryant Blacksox=6 p.m. DH
July 15-18=Zone 4 tournament, TBA
July 22-25=z-AAA state tournament
x-Zone 4 games; y=at East St. Louis, Ill.; z-at Hendrix/UCA, Conway.