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For the next two weeks we will roll out our Preseason Power 25. We will release three teams per day for the first week and then move to two teams per day once we reach the Top 10 next week. 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. Our staff weighs ten different categories (i.e. offensive depth, impact players, frontline arm, pitching staff depth, sustained program success, etc). 

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 the beginning of April and the Small School Top 10 around mid-April. This will allow teams to settle in and schedule to begin to shake out. Our first overall Power 25 update, due to the VHSL season being pushed back a week, will come Monday, March 31st. 

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#14: Battlefield Bobcats

         

Season Preview: 

Arguably the youngest team in 2024, the Battlefield Bobcats had a tremendous season before ultimately losing in the state quarterfinals. While they do return essentially every player from last season, they will more than likely be down a few, at least to start the season. Offensive returners include Nico Moritz-Toledo (Virginia Tech) who sets the tone at the top. We would anticipate a mixture of Yogi Colangelo (Virginia Tech), Christian Gomez, Garrett Camp, Luke Raflo, Grayson Abell, Luis Sanchez (Grove City), and Josh Weppner to play roles in the offense once again. Yet again, Battlefield has a few freshmen that, at some point in the future, could contribute in some capacity to this program, most notably Josh Gunning. The pitching staff will be a big sticking point with this group. If Sam Michel (Northwestern) can stay healthy, and Weppner, Camp, and Jack Glennon add solid depth behind the frontline potential of Michel. A couple of other names to watch for are Liam Bunner, Max Lusk, and Joe Lund. There are some questions in the infield and some run production to replace, but if the arms can stay healthy they have the pieces to make a run at the Class 6 title.

Outstanding AB from ‘27 Luke Raflo. The @GoBHSBaseball starting catcher goes 10+ pitches and then doubles to deep LCF.

Back to back doubles put Battlefield up 1-0 in the first. @VHSL_ #VHSLClass6 pic.twitter.com/oHDAsOFF7K

— Prep Baseball Virginia/DC (@PrepBaseballVA) June 4, 2024

Final Thoughts: 

"This had to have been the youngest team in the state last season, starting zero seniors and only like two juniors. While they are still fairly young, they have a year of experience and whether during high school or the circuit, they have players that have faced and handled good competition. What will it take to get over the hump this season? They have to figure out how to replace some of their young talent that may be on the shelf, and Michel has to stay healthy if they want to win a title. There is no replacing frontline arms and if he can make it through an entire season, they have a shot."

- Jason Burton (VA/DC Scouting Director)