Game of the Week: American Heritage Delray vs. Atlantic

Atlantic starter Cody Bryant recorded four strikeouts in three innings in a preseason game against Trinity Christian.

American Heritage Delray Manager Carm Mazza has always really enjoyed playing against their fellow Delray Beach rival Atlantic High.

Back when the Stallions program was building itself, the team had always faced off against the Eagles and famed manager Dave Smith. The team took its share of lumps, and over time, it learned how to hold its own.

With both teams coming off big seasons that ended at the state tournament, they renew their traditions by facing off in Saturday’s HSBN Game of the Week.

“All the talk this year has been about playing them, since we are both coming off big years. We are excited about it,” Mazza said. “It’s really for the kids, and they look forward to it. It will be a different atmosphere since it’s the Game of the Week, too.”

When Mazza approached Eagles Manager Steve Wilson about adding the game to their schedules, the Eagles players were equally pumped about the chance to play against such a quality opponent.

“The kids are excited, and it’s a great honor just to be asked,” Wilson said. “They are always a good team; they are well-coached and they are a tough opponent. It will be an honor to play in the game, and we are going to do our best.”

Saturday’s game is a great chance to reward the baseball community in Delray Beach that helped support them both during their big runs last year.

“I did not realize until last year how important it is to the community. People are excited to bring the honor back to Delray,” Wilson said. “This game is like a cap to what we accomplished last year.”

With both teams vying for a chance to return to the state tournament this season, it has not been an easy start for either squad. The Stallions’ record stands at 2-3 heading into this week’s action, although Heritage is coming off a big shutout victory over district rival Summit Christian. Meanwhile, Atlantic has stumbled out of the gate to an 0-5 record.

Both teams have stressed the importance of focusing on the present and not getting too hung up by looking ahead this week. Atlantic faces district foes Lake Worth and Olympic Heights this week, while the Stallions will host Royal Palm Beach and then travel to Suncoast.

“Right now we’re leaving Saturday off so we can get back to work through the week, and then get to it,” Mazza said. “It’s a big week for us. We got off to a slow start but we had two good wins where we did a lot well. But we’re still in the midst of needing a win.”

The Stallions’ Trevor Maloney

Coach Wilson also admits that the team’s focus will be more on their district games first, where they will make the best decisions with their starting pitching in order to secure those wins. Saturday’s starter to go out and represent the Eagles will be chosen later in the week.

As part of the HSBN tradition for the Game of the Week each team will select a representative to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

Former American Heritage Delray player Stephen Stradling will perform this honor for the Stallions. Stradling was formerly a member of the Stallions’ 2006 squad that also made an appearance at the state tournament, and he then went on to play at FIU, BCC and FSU. Recently Stradling suffered a major injury in a sky-diving accident, and he is still undergoing therapy as he recovers from the fall.

The 23-year old Seminoles senior was injured after making a faster landing than normal after he was forced to adjust his fall roughly 100 feet above ground to avoid a potentially fatal collision with another skydiver.

“We want Stephen to have a chance to do this, and he is excited for it, too,” Mazza said. “He is the type of kid you want to coach, and it will be nice to have him there.”

The Eagles are still finalizing their plans for this portion of the festivities.

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