Members of the Charlotte Trojan Baseball team celebrate around Felipe Vallejo following his homerun over the fence during their season opener against Dilley. The Charlotte Trojans have their eyes focused on the goal and that is to aim for a district title. With nine straight playoff appearances under their belt, this year’s Trojan Baseball team doesn’t expect anything less.

Coach Will Gates returns for his 6th straight year at the helm of the Trojans, as they are excited to get the 2011- 2012 season underway. Coach Gates has compiled a 79-52 overall record while serving as the leader of the Trojans.

A look back- The Trojans are no strangers to the playoffs, as they have made them in nine straight years. Prior to 2003, other playoff appearances included 94, 95, 97, 98, 99, 2000 and 2001.

Last season the Trojans finished with a 15-13 overall record and a 5-3 district record, as they finished in 2nd place to D’Hanis. The Trojans fell in the Bi-District playoffs to the Mason Cowpunchers, 6-4.

This season, Coach gates is looking for pitching, defense and speed to be positives as experience will be one that lacks a bit.

Meet the Trojans- Charlotte will return a number of familiar faces this season, but will also miss a few faces from last year including Jake Goudeau.

Back for the Trojans are: Isaac Santos-senior-pitcher/ centerfield, Nick Luna-seniorshort stop/pitcher, Tyler Cantu-senior-1st base/DH, Jose Rodriguez-senior-outfielder, Javy Zuniga-junior-outfielder and Dilan Weigang-sopho- more-pitcher/3rd base.

Other players to watch include: Johnny Luna, Orlando Rodriguez, Steven Oropeza, James DeLeon, Jesus Ramos, and John Mark Pesqueda.Charlotte Trojan John Mark Pesqueda makes a play against a Dilley Wolf this past Monday.

Schedule Outlook- The Trojans got off to a hot start to their season, as they hosted the Dilley Wolves on Monday night, February 20th.

The Trojans got down 3-0 to Dilley, before coming alive. The Trojans used seven hits, to score fifteen unanswered runs en route to their blowout victory at Trojan Field.

Isaac Santos pitched 4.2 innings of the game as Dilan Weigang pitched for 0.1 innings.

“We got down early as early mistakes cost us runs. We battled back and tied it up in the second and took the lead in the third. I am proud of the way the kids played. Isaac threw the ball really well and we were patient at the plate. It was a good game for us. Felipe’s home-run busted the game open and it was a huge momentum swing,” stated Coach Will Gates.

At bat- Santos 3-3-2runs scored-3RBIs, Zuniga 0-0-1run scored, Weigang 0-4-1run scored-1RBI, Cantu 0-3-1run scored-1RBI, N. Luna 2-3-2runs scored, DeLeon 0-1-3runs scored, O Rodriguez 1-2-2runs scored-2RBIs, Vallejo 1-1-2runs scored-3RBIs, Oropeza 0-2 and Tijerinas 0-0-1run scored.

The Trojans will host a three day tournament this weekend. A complete tourney schedule is available on our website (sports tab, sports related documents). Charlotte will also take part in the Port Aransas and Dilley Tournaments.

In non-district action, Charlotte will face Poteet, Medina, Pettus, Nixon-Smiley, Lytle, and TMI.

In district action Charlotte will battle D’Hanis, Sabinal, LaPryor and Brackettville once again.

“We want to compete for a district title and make a playoff run. The boys are working hard and we are focused,” stated Coach Gates in closing.