ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - Deerfield-Windsor will face Valwood for the Class AAA state championship, a decade after the two teams met with a title on the line.

The Knights beat the Valiants for a state championship 10 years ago. The upcoming series will mark the first championship of the Kyle Keen era at Deerfield-Windsor.

“Not too many teams get to play for a state championship. I’m very fortunate for these guys and being able to get here in a short time,” Keen said. “I knew I had something special when I got here. They were just young and they had to grow. They’ve grown and matured, and now we’re headed to Statesboro.”

The matchup carries added weight for the Knights. Valwood won two of three games against Deerfield-Windsor in April to claim the region championship.

“They beat us in the region championship, and they’re in our region so beating a team from the region in state would be icing on the cake,” said Lane Sceals. “They can have region; we’ll just have state it’s fine.”

Daniel Hutchins said the region loss provides motivation.

“I mean they beat us in the region championship. You never like losing so I definitely feel like it gives us some motivation to go out there and beat them,” the pitcher and shortstop said. “It’s like a revenge tour.”

Knights believe team has improved since April

Gabe Daniel said the team is confident heading into the series.

“We’re not really worried about them. We’re just the better team, and the better team will win at state,” Daniel said.

Brantley Michlig said the rivalry has developed over recent seasons.

“I mean, over the last couple of years, it’s always been a battle. We were co-region champions with them last year, and it came down to the last game of the series this year, so definitely a little bit of a rivalry there,” Michlig said. “They got region, but hopefully we get state.”

The Knights believe the team heading to Statesboro has improved since the April matchup with Valwood.

“Everybody is back and healthy, feeling better than ever. Now our bats are starting to get awake. Everyone in the lineup is hitting the ball well; arms are throwing good,” said Boyd Pollock. “We stand a way better chance.”

Keen said the team is prepared for the championship series.

“I mean, these guys they’ve been through the highs, they’ve been through the lows. They’re just battle tested,” Keen said. “It’s gonna be fun leading them into the battle. The last one.”

Senior class seeks to cap four-year journey

The class of 2026 arrived as freshmen when Keen became head coach. Four years later, the group has helped return the program to a state championship series.

“Brotherhood for sure. We definitely have the tightest group of boys that’s probably come through here ever,” Daniel said.

Pollock said the senior class has played together since childhood.

“We put in a lot of work. Not a lot of work that people see. I mean, we’re home grown. We didn’t go out and get anybody,” Pollock said. “We all went to Lake Park or Deerfield and then we all came here in 6th Grade. We’ve all played baseball together in the Albany Dixie league since we were 6 or 7 years old.”

David Hutchins said winning a state championship would provide a lasting memory for the senior class.

“Your last high school game ever, having a win in the state championship is something that’s a different feeling. That’s something most people don’t get to experience,” Hutchins said. “If we could do that, that would set ourselves as feeling like we did something good in high school, and that we did the best we could.”

Michlig said the opportunity to win a baseball state championship is rare.

“Less than 1% of kids get to play in a baseball state championship. We got it done in football; we’ve been there but baseball it’s a different feeling because I feel like it’s harder to do,” Michlig said. “Bringing another banner after a decade would be something pretty special.”

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2026 WALB. All rights reserved.