Aztecs notebook: Braves use internet to their advantage in win

BARSTOW — Norte Vista’s MaxPreps.com page wasn’t left nearly blank out of laziness or computer illiteracy on the part of their coach.
It was a strategic move by Norte Vista coach Ryan Simpson’s to keep the opponents guessing.

“I know their coach stated in the interview with you guys that they researched the MaxPreps and they didn’t haven’t anything on us, well that’s for a reason. I don’t report those things for a reason so they don’t stats on us.”

Simpson apparently reads the Desert Dispatch as well.

Barstow coach Sean Sers went looking for information on the Braves on Monday, but found nothing, and relied on scouting reports from coaches who faced Norte Vista earlier in the season.

“Going with them offensively, I look at their feet, and I had had some scouting reports from other coaches that they played before,” Sers said. “I went with some of those things, and with their swings, we tried to hit spots and change speeds.”

Simpson took full advantage of Barstow’s MaxPreps page, a high school sports web site which Sers has updated with complete hitting and pitching stats. He also read up on the Aztecs at www.desertdispatch.com. After reading Freezy Smalls was penciled in as Barstow starting pitcher, Simpsons’ hitters only saw left-handed pitching in batting practice for the rest of the week.

Just how much time did Simpson spend scouting the Aztecs?

“I’d probably get fired from school if I said how much time I really spent,” he said.
Sers said the lack of information on Norte Vista had no effect on the outcome of the game.

Atmosphere
Barstow made up for the years without a home playoff game in a big way. Friday’s matchup had all the pomp and circumstance of a big-time playoff game.

More than 200 people attended the game — easily the best attendance mark of the season. The athletic department put additional stands by Norte Vista’s dugout. Fans also put up several tents around the bleachers to provide shade.

A snack stand was operated by the Barstow girls basketball team. A large Barstow baseball banner adorned the backstop.
True to their word Barstow seniors Robert Mattingly and Trashon Herndon arrived at the game in jerseys and painted faces.

“What a crowd. What a great day,” Sers said. “I really appreciate the support.”

End of the road
The loss marked the end for seven Barstow seniors — Tony Goodson, Micheal Moorman, Andrew Maes, Freezy Smalls, Matthew Hernandez, Adrian Harrison and Victor Yslas.

Maes said he’ll miss each of his teammates and called the season part of the greatest year in his life.

“It’s one of the saddest days of my life,” Maes said. “I’ve been here four years and put all my heart into it with a great group of kids. I love them. They are like my brothers. I’m definitely going to be heart broken leaving this field.”

Contact the writer:
(760) 256-4124 or matthew_peters@link.freedom.com