WHS hosts rival
By Steve Behr
sports@wataugademocrat.com

Tuesday’s game with Alexander Central means more than just another Northwestern 4-A Conference showdown.

It always does.

The Cougars not only remain one of Watauga’s biggest league rivals, they are also 3-1 in the NWC standings. So is Watauga, which goes into the game with a 6-3 overall mark, 3-1 in the league.

“Alexander is a surprise team,” Pioneers coach Pete Hardee said. “They were not supposed to be very good at all and all of a sudden they’re 3-1. Coach Gary Comer’s going to have a winning team on the field and it doesn't matter who he’s got. It’s certainly going to be a challenge, but I feel good about our chances.”

Hardee saw last week that his pitching staff can hold their own outside of the High Country. The Pioneers went 3-0 in the George Whitfield tournament, beating D.H. Conley and South Central by 4-3 scores. Watauga then beat Kinston 12-0.

The Pioneers are likely to send Tyler Moore to the mound against Alexander Central. The 6-foot-5 right-hander has been battling a case of walking pneumonia, but Hardee is confident Moore will be healthy enough to pitch Tuesday.

If Moore isn’t available, Watauga’s other starters, Jon Sharpe and Ethan Moyer, are available.

“Tyler’s a gamer,” Hardee said. “If he couldn’t go, he’d tell me. I think he’ll be rested and ready to go.”

Watauga’s offense has been producing just enough runs to win games, but has not had a breakout game since they beat Freedom 10-0. The Pioneers could face either Adam Sigmon or Joe Caudle when they take on Alexander Central.

Sigmon has emerged as the staff ace and may be saved for the Cougars’ game against South Caldwell this Friday.

“Either pitcher is going to be crafty,” Hardee said. “They’re both right handed and they both throw a fastball and them mix in breaking stuff and a change-up. They’re going to be smart pitchers, but I don’t see any overpowering stuff. We’ll see smart pitching.”

The week got off to a bad start when Watauga’s game at East Burke got rained out for the second time.

Hardee speculated that the game could be played Wednesday during a rare day of clear weather that is anticipated.

The Pioneers also have a pair of non-conference games that could be moved if necessary later in the week. Watauga plays at T.C. Roberson Friday and host No. 1-ranked North Davidson Saturday.

“If we don’t get the game in (Tuesday), we may have to drop one of those games,” Hardee said.

Hardee said playing those games, particularly North Davidson, may not help the Pioneers’ current record.

Instead, he wants to see how his pitchers returning next season will hold up against one of the top teams in North Carolina.

“We’re losing Tyler Moore and Ethan Moyer, so we have to get ready for next year,” Hardee said. “It’s not good for the rankings or record, but they’ll get some work for next year. Plus, when you schedule a game, you try to fulfill your commitment.”