Coppell has had some great baseball teams but never one with six Division I-bound players like this year's squad. That stockpile of talent brings a No. 1 preseason ranking by the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association.

It all adds up to a potentially great year for Coppell, but it also makes Coppell even more of a target for opponents.

"I would say the bull's-eye is bigger this year, for sure," coach Don English said. "It's nice to have the recognition, but what matters is what happens at the end of the season."

All that talent led to a 30-7 record last year, but it couldn't get Coppell past Southlake Carroll in the regional quarterfinals. Another year's experience should be a plus.

Shortstop Chad Kettler, an Oklahoma signee, is a four-year starter in addition to being Coppell's closer. Catcher Jonathan Walsh, a Texas signee, and third baseman Austin Elkins, a Dallas Baptist signee, are three-year starters.

Coppell's other Division I-bound players are center fielder Jacob Morris (Arizona State), right fielder David Walsh (UT-Arlington) and pitcher Zak Hermans (Princeton). Michael Apple and Danny Malone add experience to the pitching staff.

Coppell returns five everyday starters. With four switch-hitters, English can put nine left-handed hitters in a lineup.

Keith Whitmire

Rockwall-Heath senior Drew VerHagen, an OU signee, won't pitch this season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in June, coach Greg Harvey said. VerHagen, a .433 hitter in 2008, will play first base.

Brandon George

Brandon George

(a) - Forfeited 11 wins last March because of an ineligible player

Brandon George

UIL

May 5: District certification deadline

May 9: Bi-district deadline

May 16: Area deadline

May 23: Regional quarterfinal deadline

May 30: Regional semifinal deadline

June 6: Regional deadline

June 10-13: State tournament, Round Rock, Austin

TAPPS

April 29: District certification deadline (1A-4A)

May 2: Bi-district games

May 6: District certification deadline (5A)

May 14-16: State tournament, Waco, Belton