We won't print the exact response, but it was not a positive one. His point was the Gobblers needed to relax and have fun insted of playing tense.

Cuero did a better job in its 5-4 nine-inning loss in Game 2. The Gobblers were obviously disappointed in losing, but with seven starters returning, the series agaisnt the state's top-ranked team could be a valuable learing experience. Medina Valley also has seven starters back, but the Panthers will compete in Class 4A next season.

The most obvious improvement Cuero must make is on defense. The Gobblers committed 13 errors in the series and 16 of Medina Valley's 18 runs were unearned. You can't give good teams extra outs. The Panthers committed five errors in Game 1 but played errorless ball in Game 2 and turned two double plays.

Cuero also needs to improve its pitching depth. Starters Mark Herrera and Jennings Boothe pitched well enough to win, but obviously tired as the games went into the late innings. Medina Valley used four pitchers in Game 1 and three in Game 2.

The Gobblers came into the series hitting just under .400 as a team, but hit .242 against Medina Valley. Cuero went 2-for-13 with runners in scoring position in Game 1 before improving to 3-for-9 in Game 2.

Cuero also struck out 10 times, including six in the last four innings, in Game 2. The Gobblers were never able to get their running game going, stealing two bases in Game 1 and one in Game 2.

Even with all its mistakes, Cuero took a lead into the seventh inning of Game 1 and overcame a 4-0 deficit and had a chance to win Game 2.

With the same determination and a lot of hard work, the Gobblers will be better-suited to make a state tournament run next season.