The Louisiana high school season kicks off on February 24th, the first day for regular season games. Most teams began practice on January 27th, getting their rosters set and finalizing their lineups.

Over the next several weeks, leading up to opening day, we will be rolling out team previews of high school teams all across the state and across all classifications, eventually launching our Preseason Power 25.

We have been sending out our annual Preseason Questionnaire to coaches all across the state and as the responses flood in we will bring you a snapshot of what to expect along with top players and keys to success for that particular team. If you don’t see your team’s season preview make sure your head coach fills out his Preseason Questionnaire.

Team: Airline

2019 Record: 19-16

LHSAA Classification: 5A

LHSAA District: 1-5A

Head Coach: Toby Todd

Playoff Run: 2nd Round

Returning Starters: 5

Returning Pitchers: 5

Top Players

+ SS/RHP, Bryson Connell SS/RHP, 2020 (LSU-Eunice recruit)
+ RHP/1B, Will Tynes, 2020 (Southern Miss recruit)
+ OF, Cole Broadway, 2020
+ OF, Hyaden Lope, 2020
+ C, Carson Carey, 2022
+ IF, Cole Tabor, 2022
+ 3B, Harrison Waxley, 2022

Stat Rat (X-Factor)

2020 RHP Will Tynes will look to lead the Vikings pitching staff this spring. The high-¾ right-handed pitcher has a longer arm action with quick arm speed and easy effort. Smooth rhythm, level shoulders, in-line direction, lands square and finishes athletic. He’s joined on the staff by 2020 SS/RHP Bryce Connell who works from a high slot with a medium arm stroke and a tall-and-fall delivery. Regular effort delivery, releases all three pitches from the same tunnel. Both Tynes and Connell will look to have a big impact as position players also and should be aided by underclassmen 2022 C Carson Carey and 2022 INF Cole Tabor both whom have splashed on the scene at a PBR events over the course of the year. 

Outlook

After finishing the 2019 season 19-16 and reaching the 2nd round, the Vikings head into the 2020 season as an experienced club, returning five everyday players and five pitchers. Coach Toby Todd will rely on that experience to be the strength during the 2020 season. Led by Connell and Tynes, the Airline lineup has depth to it with guys like 2022 C Carson Carey behind the plate, 2022 2B Cole Tabor and 2022 3B Harrison Waxley rounding out the infield. Returning starters 2020 OF Cole Broadway and 2020 OF Hayden Lope will be looked to patrol the outfield. The Vikings should be right in the thick of the race for the district 1-5A title, and hope to improve upon last season’s 2nd round playoff run.

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