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For the next two weeks we will roll out our Preseason Power 25. Three staff members voted on their version of the thirty best teams in the Preseason Power 25, with a possibility of 90 total vote points for each team. Since we released 25-11 last week, this week we will reveal two teams per day until we get through the complete Power 25 on Friday. Voting for preseason teams centers more around the depth of talent on that team, as well as where it stacks up within their region/area, as opposed to strictly predicting schedule outcomes. 

Generally, larger schools and classifications have a greater depth of player talent on roster. However, once the season begins and records begin to take shape, the Power 25 will be adjusted as needed. In addition to that, we will debut our Private School Top 10 around April 1st and Small School Top 10 around mid-April. 

The defending Class 5 Champs check in at #7 of the Preseason Power 25 rankings.

#7 Cox   

The 5A powerhouse Cox Falcons are back from a state championship in 2023 and will look to make it three state titles in the last four years. The Falcons will return six offensive starters, but it will be the battery that they have the most figuring out to do. Cox lost catcher Macaddin Dye (Liberty) to early graduation, as well as a couple of big arms from the state title team. As much as they lost from last year’s team, they may have gained that back and some with a pair of new faces in Parker Wight (UNC-G) and Garrison Wight (Louisburg). Parker will be able to provide some middle of the order power that will help fellow run producer Austin Irby (ECU). Along with P. Wight and Irby, the lineup should see contributions from upperclassmen Conner Worth (JMU) and Michael Barreiro (Randolph-Macon). After that there are some unknowns with the offensive lineup. Some young positional names to know are Tripp Faison, Alex John, and Colt Bradshaw. Faison and John could both see some time behind the plate and Bradshaw is a pretty advanced defender in the infield, especially for a freshman. G. Wight, Jake Colucci (UNC-G), and MJ Lemke are three arms that could see significant roles on the mound, as well as senior uncommitted arm Ryan DeLashmutt.

Final Thoughts:

"The Falcons are a well coached and well oiled machine. The offense is still dynamic, the infield should be strong, and they will be well prepared. Replacing Macaddin Dye behind the plate will not be an easy task, but they have a few solid options. If the Falcons can figure out the catching position, they should be well rounded positionally. The Falcons have a comparable amount of depth to last year's staff, but lack a clear frontline arm like the had in Michael Irby. Although they lost some pitching, their offense may take a tick up in 2024 to allow that staff to come of age."

- Jason Burton (Virginia/DC Scouting Director)