Indians Repeat As State Champs

The Chipola Indians may have finished second in the conference but a 5-0 run at the FCCAA State Baseball Tournament let the Indians claim back to back State Championships. The Championship game on Tuesday saw the Indians post a 6-0 win over Manatee. Ryan Chaffee was the star on the mound as the Niceville native threw a four hit shutout and struck out 18 Lancers. Carlos Moncrief led the way offensively with an RBI single in the third inning to give the Indians a 1-0 lead. The game remained a 1-0 game until the top of the ninth when Moncrief belted a 3 run homer to make it 4-0. Moises Montero added a 2 run homer for icing on the cake.
Head Coach Jeff Johnson was impressed with his team’s repeat run for a championship. "To win back to back championships with the level of play at these state tournaments is a testament to the dedication of these young men," said Johnson. His Indians improved to 46-12 on the season and now will prepare for a return trip to Grand Junction Colorado where they will defend their 2007 National Championship.
The Indians began play in the 2008 State Tournament on Friday and posted an 11-3win over Seminole in 7 innings. They followed that up with an 8-7 win in 10 innings over St. Petersburg on Saturday. Sunday’s victim was Manatee in a 13-9 contest. On Monday it was Panhandle Conference Champion Pensacola that the Indians had in their sights. Chipola eliminated their rival from the tournament with a 10-2 victory and moved on to the Championship game for a rematch with Manatee.
Moncrief was named the Tournament’s MVP after going 12-22 at the plate with 8 RBI and a home run. Other Indians swinging their war clubs well included Daniel Jones who went 11-16 with 5 RBI, Edmond Sparks who went 8-21 with 7 RBI and 2 home runs, Chris Berroa who went 7-23 with 5 RBI and Einar Atencio who went 8-22 with 5 RBI. Chaffee made two appearances in the tournament and in 14 2/3 innings of work he struck out 28 batters while giving up just 9 hits and 6 walks.