The Mangham High School Dragons battled to the final inning Feb. 4 but came up just short in a 10-8 loss to Family Community Christian of Winnsboro in non-conference play.
Mangham matched the Warriors early, plating two runs in the first inning and adding single runs in the second and third to stay within striking distance. The Dragons trailed 9-4 after four innings but continued to chip away, scoring twice in the fifth and twice more in the sixth to make it a one-run game heading into the final frame.
Family Community Christian added an insurance run in the seventh and Mangham could not complete the comeback.
The Dragons finished with eight runs on eight hits and committed two errors. Family Community Christian tallied 10 runs on 10 hits and was charged with seven errors.
Lane Wiggins led Mangham at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a single, a double and one RBI. Cade Poland also went 2-for-4, delivering a double and a triple while driving in two runs. Brody Hutson added two singles in three at-bats and drew a walk as the Dragons kept pressure on the Warriors’ defense throughout the contest.
On the mound, Carson Mooney worked two innings, allowing five runs on six hits with two walks and one strikeout. Colby Casey provided steady pitching over five innings, surrendering four runs on four hits while striking out five and walking one to keep Mangham within reach.
Fans at Tuesday’s contest saw momentum swing back and forth as the Dragons repeatedly answered Family Community Christian’s scoring. Mangham’s persistence at the plate and improved defensive effort in the later innings gave the home crowd reason for optimism despite the final outcome.
With the loss, Mangham moves to 1-5 on the season.
Team members are Blake Pierce, Owen Rimes, Evan Barton, Rodrick Roberson, Tyler Gix, Lane Wiggins, Greg Tillman, Colby Casey, Brody Hutson, Cason Smart, Jamarrion Lawrence, Nolan Gandy, Reginal Roberson, Aiden Twiner, Carson Mooney, Cade Poland, Bryce Blackman, Daniel Parrish, Ben Weed and Skyler Burgess.
Managers are Jaxon Dickey and Eli Landry.
Ridge Heisler serves as head coach, with assistant coaches Brandon Casey, Richie Dickey, Keith Young and Scott Wilcher.
