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The Pioneers, who have won 12 County titles in 23 years, however, have been out of the top spot the last two years and are feeling withdrawal symptoms. Last season, they were pounded by Brown City, 16-1, in the title game. The year before, C-L never made it past the qualifier game.

This Saturday, at Brown City High School, the Pioneers get their chance to regain the trophy as the annual event gets underway at 10 a.m. Brown City (5-6 as of this past Monday morning, takes on Sandusky (2-7) in that first semifinal while Cros-Lex (5-0) battles with Marlette (3-8) at 12 noon. The winners of those games play in the championship at approximately 2 p.m.

"One of our goals (this season) has been to get back there and win this thing," admitted Rick Patterson, C-L coach.

The Green Devils from BC, have their own thoughts after winning their first-ever County title a year ago.

"I think with the way we thrashed them last year, Rick and those kids are remembering that well," suggested Curt Lowe, Brown City coach. "But, I want to be there all day, and, hopefully, we can do it again."

Both coaches, who are definitely not looking past their semifinal games, agree that pitching will be a key, namely depth of pitching.

"We have a doubleheader on Thursday with Imlay City (in BWAC play) and then turn right around on Monday and play Almont," noted Patterson on important league play, where the Pioneers are the early leaders.

"We'll probably be pitching by committee," he added. "I have a couple of guys that haven't pitched at all this year, like Adam Cornwell and (Derek) Sheridan. Those guys may have to pitch for the first time (this season) at County."

Garrett Grundman, one of the top hurlers in the area, is C-L's No. 1 pitcher. Junior Justin Walls is next and is 2-0 in two starts.

The Devils are in the same boat as far as league (GTC East) games. They play two games at Ubly this Thursday and come back on Monday for a twinbill with Marlette.

Lowe will be saving his No.1, Ed Rayba, for league and/or Andre Sanson, Justin Holsworth - both are in line for the No. 2 spot. Brown City's top two JV pitchers, Ryan Hoff and Kevin Kalbfleisch, will also be called up for Saturday.

"Cros-Lex still has to be the favorite," said Lowe. "They've got the most kids back and we lost a lot."

Sandusky and Marlette also have very young teams but could be dangerous underdog teams in these rivalry contests at the County level.