Introduction

Jackson Heights enters their second away game, as well as their second regular season game on the year by taking on Onaga. Jackson Heights athletes and fans were excited for this much anticipated rematch from last years season ending game at the Onaga Substate semi-final, where the Cobras lost 11-1 to the Buffaloes. The night begun cold and windy and both teams were ready to get their season hot.

First Game - Jackson Heights Vs Onaga (5-6)

The first game stayed entirely always in Onaga’s favor by at-least one point, and the game started really getting close entering the final three innings of play. Both teams had plenty of mistakes, runners left on base, and miscommunication between fielders. Coach Melvin for the Cobras had a major field time out in the fifth inning where he swapped most of his players field positions and made his pitcher adjustment from Senior Westin Shultejans to his younger Freshman brother, Hayden Shultejans. The Buffaloes pitcher, Hunter Lamond, lasted until the bottom of the sixth inning where he was subbed out for his catcher, L.J. Koelzer. Entering the seventh inning Jackson heights was down 6-3 and closed the gap to 6-5 with two runners on base and only one out, but they couldn’t complete the late game comeback. Grabbing the last out of the game was the Freshman Caden Huftles who made a spectacular snag from center field to secure the first game win for Onaga. 

Second Game - Jackson Heights Vs Onaga (0-1)

To most people a 0-1 game may sound like a snooze, especially when the first and only point comes from the bottom of the first inning, but I promise it was nothing but a thrill! Jackson Kolterman not only scored the only run of the game for Onaga but he also had nine strikeouts at starting pitching with multiple impressive plays mixed in between during the game, the Junior also pitched all seven innings. Another high end player for Onaga was Senior Rayce Fisher, who made outstanding throws from third to first on left line hits and bunts. Jackson Heights did have their star in Drake Mellies shine bright under the lights with two doubles in his second game at bat, which complimented his RBI double he collected in the first matchup against Onaga. Senior Micheal Cornelison for the Cobras came in as pitcher for Kade Holiday in the bottom of the sixth with one out, and the Senior was able to pitch a strikeout swinging and an incredible no glove pop-fly catch. Despite the bases being loaded in the last inning for Jackson Heights they came up short of just needing to put the one run in to continue, which was the biggest heartbreak of the night for Jackson Heights.

Summary

Even in Heartbreak there is triumph for the young Jackson Heights Cobra team. Despite both games ending in a lose, Coach Melvin in my post-game interview said that being proud is an “understatement” and he is truly ready to see what his team can achieve as the season continues. With both loses in the doubleheader, Jackson Heights falls to 0-4 on the year  and will play ACCHS on Monday. Onaga with the sweep of the series will improve to 4-2 and will face Blue Valley Randolph as their next opponent. 

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