A season celebration

By Jason simcoe

Published: June 3, 2008

CCHS second baseman Brandon Scott already knew he had been named first team-all district But as he walked on to the Culpeper Middle School auditorium stage to receive his award, his coach had a surprise for him – an honorable mention all-region certificate to go with his all-district honors.

“I had no idea I was getting all-region,” Scott said. “It’s awesome.”

Scott and senior first baseman Hunter Kenney led a slew of CCHS players on the all-district teams.

Ten Blue Devils were honored by Cedar Run District coaches. Kenney joined Scott on the first team as a designated hitter, was an honorable mention choice at first base, and received honorable mention all-Northwest Region.

Pitcher Brad Settle and shortstop Trevor Funk were selected second team all-district.

Josh Gardiner, Jeremy Brown, Joey Powell, Cody Whitlock, Brandon Mack and Allen Beall were recognized on the honorable mention team.

The Blue Devils gathered with friends and family at CMS Tuesday for a year-end awards ceremony to celebrate the best season in recent memory for the CCHS baseball program.

The team doubled its win total from 2007, finishing 10-10 and nearly won its first district playoff game in years.

CCHS coach Danny Nobbs and the Blue Devils coaching staff gave out several other awards Tuesday.

Senior outfielder Derek Shomo earned the Cal Ripken, Jr. award, an honor voted on by players and coaches and given a player of good character.

Scott, who wasn’t even expected to start before the season, shared the Most Improved award with Whitlock.

Kenney was honored as the team’s offensive player of the year after hitting .400 during the regular season and driving in 16 runs. The sweet-swinging first baseman will continue his career at Patrick Henry next spring.

He also captured the Eppa Rixey award — given to the player who best exemplifies the ideals of CCHS baseball — for the third consecutive year.

“He has great composure,” Nobbs said. “He brings a presence to the plate with him.”

Funk, who battled mono to become one of the district’s top infielders, was honored as the team’s top defensive player.

Settle and Brown shared the pitcher of the year award. Settle led the Blue Devils with a 4-3 record. Brown, several times the victim of poor run support, led the team in ERA and strikeouts.

Nobbs wrapped up his remarks Tuesday by urging the players to participate in offseason workouts. The opening of the county’s second high school, Eastern View, will split the returning players, but Nobbs feels like the foundation for success has been laid.

“You just have to keep building,” Nobbs said.

Jason Simcoe can be reached at 825-0771 ext. 166 or

Awards Night

The CCHS baseball team honored several players Tuesday at an awards ceremony. In addition to recognizing the all-district players, the coaching staff handed out several awards voted on by coaches and players.

Varsity awards
Cal Ripken Jr. award: Derek Shomo
Most improved: Cody Whitlock, Brandon Scott
Defensive player of the year: Trevor Funk
Offensive player of the year: Hunter Kenney
Pitcher of the year: Brad Settle, Jeremy Brown
Eppa Rixey award: Hunter Kenney

Junior Varsity awards
Most improved: Matt Nerkowski
Coaches award: Anthony Herman
Pitcher of the year: John Lezcano
Most Valuable Player: Josh Gardiner

Cedar Run All-District teams
First team
Hunter Kenney, designated hitter
Brandon Scott, second base

Second team
Brad Settle, pitcher
Trevor Funk, shortstop

Honorable Mention
Joey Powell, outfield
Josh Gardiner, third base
Hunter Kenney, first base
Jeremy Brown, pitcher, outfield, utility
Allen Beall, catcher
Cody Whitlock, pitcher
Brandon Mack, third base, designated hitter

Honorable mention all-region
Hunter Kenney
Brandon Scott