In this edition we will take a closer look at the Foothill Falcons. After scratching their way into the post-season a year ago, the Falcons are eagerly seeking to improve upon their 2018 campaign.  They will be looking to replace 5 starters from last year’s club, leaving a lot of opportunity for some of their aspiring young players. Playing in the Southeast Division of the Desert Region is always a tall task, but Coach Iglitz and his crew ready the challenge.

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Team: Foothill Falcons 

NIAA Classification: 4A

League: Southeast Division /  Desert Region

Head Coach: Matt Iglitz

2018 Overall Record: 17-15

2018 League Finish: 11-9

2018 1^st place Finish in League: Rancho

2018 Postseason Finish: 1-2

Number of Returning Starters: 4

Number of Returning Pitchers: 5

Top Returning Players: ’19 INF/P, Kelton Lachelt; ’19 OF, Tommy Dirk.

College Commits: None

Top 2019 Players: INF/P, Kelton Lachelt; OF, Tommy Dirk

Top 2020 Players: P/1B Jakob Heiselbetz.

Other Players to Watch: ’21 OF, Ethan Yatson

2019 Outlook: Under the guidance of Coach Iglitz, the Falcons have prided themselves on pitching and defense.  The 2019 season will be no different.  They will look to minimize opponent opportunities and improve their offensive execution. The Falcons work hard to pressure opposing defenses by running the bases aggressively.

While the Falcons look to replace almost half of their starting lineup, they will no doubt rely heavily on two returning seniors, Kelton Lachelt and Tommy Dirk.  Kelton Lachelt is a four year starter at shortstop and has posted some gaudy stats on the mound. In 2018, Kelton finished with a 1.79 ERA in 41 Innings pitched. He was selected as one of six pitchers to the first team all Sunrise Region. Lachelt was also a big part of the Falcon lineup hitting .302.  In addition to Lachelt, they will count on Tommy Dirk.  Dirk is a senior outfielder, with the ability to drive the ball to all fields Hitting at the top of the order, he put together a solid 2018 season, .333/0/13.  More importantly, Dirk was on base nearly half the time with a .471 OBP.

Although many roles are yet to be determined, rest assured the Falcons will be a "gritty" group determined to compete. With the leadership of four-starter, Kelton Lachelt, they will be poised and ready to compete when the first pitch is thrown.