During the final week of the regular season, Lake Oconee Academy didn’t look like a No. 1 seed, as four straight losses heading into the postseason left a sour taste in the team’s mouth.
But by Friday, that feeling had been replaced with a fresh start.
Behind a steady response in Game 1 and an offensive outburst in Game 2, the Titans (18-6) opened the Class A Division II state playoffs with a sweep of No. 4 seed Early County, winning 7-3 and 14-3 to advance to the second round.
“They threw their best punches at us,” head coach Mark Miller said. “But I think our overall depth persevered.”
Early County made sure the opener wasn’t comfortable. The Bobcats jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning on a two-run home run in Game 1, immediately putting pressure on the top-seeded Titans.
LOA didn’t wait long to answer.
The Titans responded with four runs in the bottom half of the inning, flipping the game and settling in after the early jolt. From there, they gradually created separation, though not without some hiccups.
Miller pointed to a handful of mistakes — including one on the basepaths he took responsibility for — that kept Early County within striking distance longer than expected.
Still, LOA’s depth eventually showed. The Titans pulled away midway through the game and closed out a 7-3 win to take control of the series.
Early County’s leadoff hitter, Evan Grist, was a bright spot for the Bobcats, contributing both at the plate and on the mound. But in Game 2, the Bobcats couldn’t replicate that same level of resistance.
“Things just kind of fell off pitching-wise for them, and we took advantage of it,” Miller said.
Lake Oconee did exactly that.
The Titans broke things open early and never looked back, piling up runs in a 14-3 victory that ended the series in two games and eliminated any need for a decisive third matchup.
Just as important as the wins was what they represented.
After the four-game losing streak heading into the playoffs, LOA looked like a different team — energized, focused, and fully aware that the “third season” had arrived.
“Even coming into the series, our guys were super pumped,” Miller said. “I don’t know if I’ve seen them that excited all year long. They knew it was time to go.”
The sweep also gives the Titans something they didn’t have much of down the stretch: time. By avoiding a Game 3, LOA earns extra rest before the next round — a small but meaningful advantage this time of year.
Still, Miller knows there’s work to do.
Despite the lopsided finish in Game 2, he emphasized that the team hasn’t played a perfect series and will need to clean things up moving forward.
“We realized there are still things we need to focus on and be better at,” he said. “But I feel like we’re getting that momentum going.”
That momentum will be tested quickly.
Lake Oconee Academy advances to face Treutlen in the second round, with the matchup set for Wednesday.
Miller expects a challenge from a team that’s playing with confidence.
“They’re on a roll, and they believe,” he said. “We’re going to have a good test with those guys.”
For now, though, the Titans have done exactly what a No. 1 seed is supposed to do — survive the opening round and move on.