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5th-graders share Duck spirit 
DUCK GATHERING: Taylor coach Doug Kuhl talks with his team after their final win over Lufkin Hudson Saturday. The Ducks will take on Liberty Hill tonight at Pflugerville High School at 7 p.m. in the first game of a best-of-three series.
Photo by Emily Grobe. |
By Emily Grobe Paige Ward's fifth grade class at TH Johnson hopes to add a little spirit to and show some support for who they call "local celebrities." The class is making a spirit sign reading, "Duck baseball rocks," to hang at the Ducks upcoming playoff series with Liberty Hill to remind the Ducks that there are more fans than they think supporting them. Taylor will play district foe Liberty Hill in a best-of-three series beginning tonight at 7 p.m. at Pflugerville High School. Game two will be played at PHS Friday at 7 p.m., and a third game, if necessary will be played Saturday at 1 p.m. "We want to show them that we believe in them," Isiah said as he colored a large B green. Ward's class began making supportive signs after a class discussion about positive ways to support others in the community. Ward said the students were impressed with the high school sports teams. "By sending them their good wishes and spirited illustrations, they could be a part of the school spirit," Ward said. Along with incorporating math, writing and art into their signs, many of the children expressed their interest in baseball and said they were really excited the Ducks had advanced so far in the playoffs. "We want to give them spirit and encouragement," Lane said as he colored a baseball with flames shooting behind it. "We really support the team," Taylor added. The children were also excited to learn that Taylor will be facing the Panthers for the fourth time this season, after playing two district games against each other and meeting in the Elgin Tournament during preseason. Taylor defeated Liberty Hill in their first two meetings, 3-1 and 11-5, and lost a 5-4 nail-biter the third time. "We are making our sign so they can believe they can win," C.J. said. Patience at the plate has been paramount for the Ducks, allowing them more base runners and a higher run production. Taylor has swept both the bi-district and area rounds of the playoffs, run-ruling their opponent in each game after making vital adjustments in practice. Liberty Hill, who earned a first-round bye in the playoffs, defeated Diboll in two games, 5-0, 9-8 in the area round of the playoffs. Many coaches note it is difficult to beat an opponent a third time, suggesting a possible reason for Taylor's last loss to the Panthers, but even that game was given up by one run. Taylor's recent hitting adjustments have proven beneficial to the team and given the defense an opportunity to preserve an early lead, something Kuhl has said his team does well. As the Ducks battle it out on the field, there will be a sign hanging to let all the Taylor fans know, "Duck baseball rocks!"
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