When Billy Jackson became the new Dallas County High School baseball coach, he also

became both a teacher and a student.

Jackson, who replaces Paul Thomas as the Hornets’ new coach, takes over a young squad with the potential to reach great heights. Jackson has the baseball knowledge to school his youthful players and enough new faces to figure out just how high the Hornets can reach.

“We’re still trying to find our niche,” Jackson said. “We have a very young group of kids. We’ve got a lot of talent, but it’s young talent. In some cases, it’s inexperienced talent.”

One year after beating Bibb County for the area title, Dallas County loses its share of experienced players. Some of those gone from the 2004 campaign include pitcher Justin Hollis, now at Shelton State and catcher Clint Cooper, who signed with Concordia College.

In their place is a host of players ready to make their mark on Dallas County Baseball. Sophomore Dillon Cooper hopes to continue the tradition of excellence started by his brother as the Hornets’ backstop. He will share the position with senior Chase Knight.

Cooper will catch a trio of talented pitchers led by junior right-hander Cody Massey and sophomore righties Matthew Ross and Alan Anthony. Shane Moreland will be the emergency starter, but will likely see much of his playing time at first base or in the outfield.

“Our pitchers have been performing well,” Jackson said. “They’ll perform even better once the weather warms up. We don’t want to injure their arms by working them too much with temperatures fluctuating like they are right now.”

Moreland and Massey also will split duty at first base. They will be joined on the infield by Anthony and sophomore Tyler Hollis at second base and senior Roman Paxton – one of only three seniors on the team – stationed at shortstop, and Ross and Jacob Paxton platooning at third.

“Our middle infield is tough,” the Hornets’ coach said. “That’s going to be one of our keys this season. Defensively, we’re pretty strong.”

Jackson said the Hornets have averaged one error per game en route to a 1-2-1 record thus far, including a 4-4 tie at Chilton County last week in a game halted due to lightning.

The Hornets earned their first victory of the season Friday, 6-4 over the Selma High School Saints.

Jackson added that three freshmen would see spot duty on the infield this season. One year ago, Teravious Mitchell, Jacob Paxton and James Bennett were starters for Martin Middle School.

“We’re going to bring them in slowly,” Jackson said. “We’re not going to feed them to the wolves.”

The outfield will be anchored by senior Randal Greene, who can play any three positions and also will be the team’s designated hitter.

Along with his infield duties, Mitchell also can play left and right field. Junior Kenyatta McDonald will see action in right field, while Bennett, who Jackson said “can absolutely fly,” will play in centerfield.

Jacob Paxton and Jacob Knight also could see playing time in the Hornets’ outfield.

While off to a slow start, the Dallas County offense has shown recent signs of life. Roman Paxton is currently hitting well over .300 as the Hornets’ leadoff hitter. He has been on base nine times in the first four games.

Moreland is batting a cool .500 (6-for-12) with a home run, while Ross has scored five of the team’s 18 runs. Hollis is hitting at a .429 clip.

“This definitely is a rebuilding year for us,” Jackson said. “But if we continue to play with grit and enthusiasm, I’ll be very pleased.

“You don’t want your team to peak early in the season,” Jackson added. “You want to peak at crunch time. We have that potential. I’m very enthused with the team we could be.”