By JIM STEELE

So here we are again. We've arrived at a comfortable place: a road substate game.

And again, curious Class A baseball fans across the state are looking in their regional publications and seeing who's in and who's out. They see Summertown is back for a third straight year. They see that usual post-season participant Unaka is gone. Looking down the list, there's Cascade again. Huntingdon and JCS are back as well.

Then lookie there. I'll be dipped. There's McKenzie. It is back in substate for the third straight year. Be assured that seeing the Rebels in the mix has gotten a lot of people's attention. McKenzie's athletics program is on the rise and folks across the state are now expecting to see us there. Winning the state baseball crown two years ago advances that notion.

So this is where we want to be. It's substate. Whether it's at McKenzie City Park, Adamsville or Jackson is of little consequence. When the Rebels play, they play well no matter the venue at this level.

McKenzie stands on the precipice of another state championship run. Last year, McKenzie wasn't supposed to be here. But the Rebels smoothed out the rough spots, became more consistent and played their best ball at the end of the year. For JCS hitters last year, the baseball looked like a beach ball and seemed to be pitched at 20 m.p.h. When you are in the zone, everything seems to be in slow motion. Simply put, JCS could feel the energy in its bats last year and was more than ready to swing away.

Last year, the Rebels had just won 17 games and weren't really sure of themselves. They suffered a bit of an imposter syndrome. They weren't really supposed to be in substate were they? After all, they were just a bunch of sophomores and juniors. But they were there, they had the chops to make it that far.

This year, those sophomores and juniors are juniors and seniors, significantly battle tested and some having cut teeth during that championship season. This team has overcome a lot. The Rebels lost their coach last year after the season was over. They had a new coach but there seemed to be a bit of friction at the beginning and the adjustment period was a rocky one. As disgruntled as I was about this team's attitude early, I'm even more proud how this team has pulled together. Moreover, I'm excited about what's in store for this team. They've proven to me they can deal with any kind of adversity.

This team is seasoned now and expects to win. Everybody is loose and happy. The grumbling and grousing that poisoned the dugout earlier this year has turned into cheering and camaraderie. These players are quick to pick each other up, not as inclined to point out the negatives and, as a result, there is a spark.

So maybe Huntingdon has McKenzie's number now, but the Mustangs remember that they were run-ruled by these Rebels. And what's worse, McKenzie probably should have won at east three of those four games. Take nothing away from Huntingdon; it has a fine team and I hope we see them again a week from Friday. But in the back of the Mustangs' minds, they have to feel uncomfortabe knowing that even as poorly as McKenzie played in many of those losses, it could have won. We seem to have an easy time with everybody else, lately, including JCS, whom McKenzie defeated 9-1 a month ago...at the same park the Rebels are set to play at Friday.

McKenzie's pitching is deep and will be fresh, having two days off. The Rebels can hit up and down the lineup. There is power all over the place. The defense turned in spectacular performances Monday and Tuesday. The attitude is great, the players have drawn together tight, the expectation to win is there. This is a season of promise and excitement that has been much discussed since May 18, 2007.

But these Rebels have to realize one thing: there is no tomorrow. If McKenzie leaves it all on the field, plays flawlessly, but loses, then JCS just had the better team Friday. But I honestly believe this team is on a mission. Look at what they've done. They've beaten substate qualifiers in Huntingdon, JCS, 2A Ripley and been in the hunt with another 2A quaifier Lexington (and its top pitcher Billy Keck). I also point out that McKenzie has beaten a 3A district champion in Henry County. So basically, McKenzie has proven it belongs at the top of the West Tennessee flagpole.

It's up to the Rebels now. They've been through this before. Many of these guys know what it's like to prepare for a state title run. And when the Rebels won Class A two years ago, one could argue that Class A was as talent-laden as it had ever been (rivaling the 1987 field, which included McKenzie and Dresden). Drew Hayes and Mike Minor were in that mix two years ago, so were people like previously unbeaten pitcher Jason Scruggs of Trousdale County, the tough mix of Summertown players and don't forget Huntingdon, with all-staters Spencer Clifft, Cody Crocker and Will Spellings. Class A was loaded and McKenzie ventured successfully through that minefield. Class A won't likely be that loaded again anytime real soon which means the Rebels shoud relax and play hard, put on a clinic and end JCS's season early.

True, it's a do or die game, but the pressure is on JCS. If McKenzie can play loose, have fun and focus on executing properly, minimizing mistakes, they'll pack their bags for that three-hour road trip East. So what about it Rebels? This is what you have waited for. You are close to realizing your goal. You are one game away from separating yourselves from the rest and crafting your own legacy. What about it guys? See you in Murfreesboro?