Franklin-Fulton: 5 games to watch April 11-16
It is Mid Penn Conference week, when Franklin County teams meet their first Colonial Division tests of the season.
Make sure you don't miss a minute of the action, and follow the five games to watch this week.
Waynesboro at Greencastle-Antrim baseball, Tuesday, 4:15
The Indians started the season on a hot streak, winning their first four games of the season before losing to Cedar Cliff on Friday, outscoring non-league opponents 40-13. But this week Waynesboro travels to Greencastle for a Colonial Division clash against some of the best pitchers in the area.
Despite Waynesboro's hot bats, coach Greg Chandler expects trouble at the plate no matter who Greencastle throws -- which, depending on the weather Monday, could end up being ace Myles Gayman, who has reached 92 mph already this season.
Gayman threw a gem in Greencastle's 10-0 win over Northeastern, but that was the team's only game so far. While the team may be itching to get onto the field, its lack of in-game experience could lead to uncharacteristic errors.
James Buchanan at Greencastle-Antrim softball, Thursday, 4:15
The Rockets travel to Greencastle in their first Mid Penn Colonial division game of the season. But neither team has much game experience to show for so far. Both remain "unbeaten" with just three games between the two of them, all of which were mercy-rule wins.
The Rockets boast a group of freshman in the lineup that has helped the team with its 2-0 start. Freshmen Jenna Mongold, who has proven early to be a threat in the circle and at the plate, and Harley Rife, paired with top upperclassmen, will likely cause some trouble for the Lady Blue Devils.
Greencastle's only game so far this season was a 19-1 trouncing of Middletown. Watch out at the plate for Abby Reitz, who hit a triple and a home run for four RBIs in Greencastle's first outing.
Cumberland Valley Christian at Shalom Christian girls soccer, Thursday, 7
Our two area spring girls soccer teams face off in a Mason-Dixon Christian Conference rivalry match. Shalom is 3-1 on the season, outscoring opponents 21-5, while CVC is 1-2, but is fresh off a 4-0 victory over Calvary Christian.
The Flames' two top scorers, Lexy Poe and Brooke Emge already have nine and eight goals on the season, respectively. While Emily Bard and Kaitlin Provard lead the Blazers.
Shalom holds a nine-game winning streak over CVC dating back to 2011. The last time the Blazers beat Shalom was in a 3-1 decision at the end of the 2011 season.
Tim Cook Invitational, Saturday, 9:30
One of the biggest area track meets of the regular season kicks off Saturday morning when the starting pistols fire at the Tim Cook Invitational at Trojan Stadium.
Waynesboro, Shippensburg, McConnellsburg (9 athletes), Greencastle-Antrim, Mercersburg Academy, and of course, Chamberbersburg track & field teams will be in attendance, along with 13 other high schools from Hershey to Altoona registered to attend.
Since the cancellation of the Pan Ram Invitational last weekend, Chambersburg coach Bob Walker expects more teams to request a spot, but Walker said he will be capping the invitational at 20 full teams.
Keep an eye out for local talent such as Chambersburg's Abby Yourkavitch and Kelton Chastulik; Greencastle's Liam Okal and Campbell Parker; McKenzie Gelvin of McConnellsburg and Isiuwa Oghagbon from Mercersburg Academy.
Area softball divisional matchups
Three intriguing Mid Penn Colonial division matchups happen this week, with Waynesboro facing two divisional foes, Greencastle and Shippensburg, and the Lady Hounds welcoming Big Spring.
Waynesboro is coming together as the season progresses with two-straight non-league wins, including a three-inning mercy rule win over South Western. But the Maidens open MPC play this week, first with a home game against Greencastle, a team with hot bats of its own. But the Blue Devils have played just one game leading up to their division opener.
Waynesboro will later face Shippensburg in another MPC rivalry game.
The Lady Hounds face Big Spring before traveling to take on the Maidens with hopes to keep their unbeaten record alive. Tuesday's game against Big Spring will be Shippensburg's first game since April 4 after a slew of postponements pushed back its non-league competition. Big Spring on the other hand, is 4-1, including two shutouts already this season.