Wolves win district title, begin state playoffs
By Lisa Soileaux
RAYNE - The Rayne High Wolves entered their last district game of the 2014 season against Opelousas Thursday positioned in the top ten in state rankings and poised to take home a district crown, the school’s first since the shuffle over to 4-AAA this school year.
Behind a strong effort on the mound by freshmen Jaylen Reed and a consistent showing at the plate by the Wolf offense, Rayne collected an 8-4 win and the 4-4A district crown, their first in seven long years.
“Even though we were out of our routine with school being out, we showed up and banged out some hits for the win,” stated Rayne head coach Jason Bonin.
Bonin continued, “We were a little undisplined at the plate, kinda hurried, a little slower than we like it. But, we collected ourselves and pulled out a big win for the district title. I’m really glad for our guys.”
Rayne finished up their 2014 season with a 10-2 district slate and an overall count of 22-5. As of Monday’s power rankings, they sat at the No. 8 position, poised for a good run at post season.
Entering the playoffs as the top team out of 4-4A, the Wolves claimed a first-round home game Thursday afternoon in familiar territory in front of a welcoming home crowd. They are slated to host No. 25 Pearl River at 6 p.m. at Gossen Memorial Park in the 4-A bi-district contest.
“I’m glad we finished where we did in the rankings,” noted Bonin once the brackets were released Tuesday afternoon. “We have been low and high all season after each game -- you just never know where you will finish.”
In their district win over Opelousas, Tiger batters were held at bay with a strong showing by freshman hurler Jaylen Reed, who recorded six strikeouts and allowed three walks and nine hits in six innings.
“Jaylen has really helped out our pitching rotation,” noted Bonin on his newest member of his pitching staff. “He has a couple of good pitches and fires a good fast ball -- can’t beat that in a freshman.”
Rayne senior Ty Delahoussaye completed the game for the Wolves as he closed out the final inning with a strikeout and hit.
TJ Bearb led Rayne hitters with three hits on the day including a double, run and two RBI’s.
Hunter Keely was 2-for-4 during the win with a run and RBI, while teammates Grant Abshire, Blase Meche, Grant Menard and Brice Meche each collected hits, as well.
Delahoussaye and Reed also donated towards the Rayne offense each recording a hit with Reed touching home for two runs and Delahoussaye slapping a triple.
The state tournament is set for May 15-17 at McMurry Park in Sulphur when semi-final and final games will be played for the state championship.