Six members of the varsity baseball team have been named to the All-County team:
Pitcher of the Year: Cooper Norris
In 2026, Norris pitched 57 2/3 innings in 11 appearances, 10 of which were starts. He gave up 56 hits and 24 runs, 13 of which were earned, and walked 17 while striking out 47. His earned run average: 1.58. Norris is First-Team All-Region 6A D-I.
Some of his outings in 2026 include:
Against Heard County, Norris threw 6 1/3 innings giving up five hits, four walks and two earned runs with just one strikeout. The Tigers won 8-2.
Against Temple High, Darlington won 10-0 in five innings. Norris pitched all five innings giving up three hits, two walks and striking out 10.
Against Haralson County High, Norris pitched into the seventh inning and exited the mound with the score tied 2-2. The Tigers would win in nine innings 3-2. He struck out seven.
Against Pepperell High, Norris and the Tigers won a 4-0 shutout holding the Dragons to six hits and one walk.
Against Model High, Norris pitched six innings without an earned run allowed, struck out seven, walked one and scattered four hits in a 10-1 win.
First Team:
Thomas Hargett, infielder: .451 average, .593 on-base percentage, .732 slugging percentage, 37 hits, 12 doubles, 31 RBI, 29 runs, 24 walks.
Jackson Loy, catcher: .444 average, .568 on-base percentage, .756 slugging percentage, 40 hits, 12 doubles, four home runs, 33 RBI.
Knox Merritt, infielder: .352 average, .487 on-base percentage, .429 slugging percentage, 32 hits, 17 RBI, 34 runs, 18 walks, 14 stolen bases.
Henry Ledbetter, outfielder: .333 average, .402 on-base percentage, .586 slugging percentage, 33 hits, 11 doubles, four home runs, 23 RBI, 23 runs.
Second Team:
Braxton Stegall, designated hitter
This information was originally published in the Rome News-Tribune on May 23, 2026.
