The Cedartown Lady Bulldogs had a gesture waiting for the Rockmart Lady Yellow Jackets softball team when the two middle school squads faced off on Monday afternoon. When they arrived to take over the visitors dugout, written out next to the warm up circle in chalk was a tribute to Tori Luke, #10 and a former Lady Jackets middle school player herself.

The Lady Jackets took the first game between the two rivals in a 12-5 finish even after stormy weather moved into the area just after the game got underway and both teams went three up, three down in the opening inning.

Cedartown coach Tony Potts said that his squad started three sixth graders at infield positions to start the season, and despite the loss he believes the team has a lot of potential as their schedule develops.

“We are a very young but talented team,” he said. “I’m excited for what the year will bring and I think this group has a chance to do something special.”

Of note, Chief Deputy Jonathan Blackmon from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office threw out the first pitch.