By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

RESERVE – Summer play is over for Riverside-based Fatty’s Restaurant, and coach Matt White said he is pleased with the way his team has developed after losing a number of key seniors.

Fatty’s played a non-American Legion schedule but scored a number of impressive tournament wins, finishing the summer with a record of 7-4.

White said most of all, he’s proud of his pitching staff — after returning ace Tate Scioneaux, Riverside has to replace the rest of its primary rotation entering next season following the departures of seniors Dylan Martin and Bryant Tassin.

But he noted three seniors that stepped up in lefthander Trevor Kenney and righthanders Wren Vicknair and Ryan Broussard.

“Trevor pitched all of eight innings last year and Ryan did about the same, seven or eight. Wren really didn’t pitch for us,” said White. “For them to come out and really see their first major action against some of the quality competition we’ve faced, and have success, it’s just something you hope to see continue into the spring.”

Hitting wise, White said that the top of the order will look different. Vicknair has led off this summer with C.J. Edler batting behind him. Both have been productive in setting the table for the three and four hitters (Grady Geiger and Scioneaux).

In Vicknair, White said he has a leadoff man who doesn’t have the speed that last year’s leadoff batter, Dylan Martin, did. But what Vicknair does boast, White said, is a knack for making consistent contact and intelligence on the basepaths. With Edler behind him, Riverside has gone to the hit-and-run often and with success.

Geiger, meanwhile, has had a tremendous summer that included a stretch where he went 8 for 9 at a tournament at E.D. White

“He’ll likely be out in centerfield for us, and he’s been unbelievable with that bat,” said White.

Riverside overall projects to be very young this spring. Many of its seniors will be garnering their first starting experience, and White said that a handful of eighth and ninth graders are competing for starting positions.

“We’ve let it be known that spots are open. They’re there for the taking,” said White. “And guys are getting after it.

“I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish this summer with this group. They bring a hunger and a great attitude to the park every day.”