I heard cheers from the crowd believing Whitehall was getting ready to send the Warriors to their bus trip home in defeat. First year coaches on for both Whitehall and Harvest Preparatory School (HPS) made for a great matchup between two teams struggling to find wins. The difference might have been the motivational words by Whitehall's coach meant to motivate his team, was unfortunately for Whitehall's team, overheard by a team thirsting for motivation, and the cheers were the Warrior's fans.
Now the third set of coaches in 4 years, and easily the youngest. Barely past their teen playing years, Keaton Webb and Nate Franklin know the significance of winning a baseball game at Harvest Prep. Both were huge contributors to the last win for the Warriors, which was the Warriors first in 9 years. After this duo left, the next season the team failed to secure a win. Discussion on the bus ride to Whitehall was focused on the number of walks allowed by Whitehall pitching in their previous games this season. The day before, the coaches made the decision to save Mike Dilgard for this game, instead of using him in the previous game.
For the Whitehall-Yearling High School (Ohio) baseball program, Dustan Bennett is listed as the head coach for the 2025-26 season. Previous recent head coaches include Nick Wright (2024-25) . Similar to HPS, Whitehall seniors are led by their third coach in 4 years. Whitehall has chalked up more victories in the decade, but by no means have they been a powerhouse team, having a 7-win season being their best season in these years. This season, Whitehall had already pulled off two victories, defeating Eastmoor Academy and Cristo Rey. Harvest Prep last won April 20, 2024, against West High School.
2 years later...
The infamous words Whitehall's first year coach's motivational words worked to inspire a team, just not his. I asked players, "How'd you pull of this win?" Several players commented the same statement, " Their coach said they were going to beat us by 20." With a chip on their shoulder, the Warriors pulled off the upset.
Michael Dilgard's three-run triple wasn't the only reason Harvest Prep lifted him up and carried him after the win. It was not just his 14 strikeouts and 7 innings of pitching. The fact is, Mike leads his team in virtually every major baseball stat.
The game started 2-0 Warriors, but was tied in the second inning. The Rams scored 4 runs in the third inning, and Prep would not allow the Rams to score again. Entering the 6th inning the game was tied. Harvest Prep scored two more runs to give Mike Dilgard a cushion, only pitching 80 pitches entering the 7th inning. To secure the win, the Warriors deflated any hopes of a comeback for the Rams, by scoring 5 more runs.
This game was a team effort. The motivated team enjoyed a .587 on base percentage this game, nearly 50% better than their season average. Their were 9 RBI's, nearly double their best performance this season. Brothers, Jordan and Jeremy King had 2 RBI's each.
Whitehall's Markel Triblet, was 2 for 3, including a triple, and 3 RBI's.
The lesson for coaches, especially young coaches: Motivate your team without slandering your opponent. Otherwise you just might awaken David, or in this case, the Warriors.
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