[4/24/03]Randy Wright wanted a tuneup for his Porters Chapel Academy Eagles during their first-round playoff bye. He got his wish, and then some.

PCA, which will start the Academy-A playoffs in the second round next week against either Trinity or Riverdale, will host nationally ranked Hillcrest Christian Friday at 5 p.m.

Wright was also trying to schedule a game against No. 2 Simpson Academy for this week, but the defending Academy-AA state champions were forced into a must-win game against Prairie View for their conference championship on Friday and backed out of a tentative agreement.

“It’s going to be an opportunity for us to play the best team in the state. It can’t do anything but help us. We’re not going to face anybody in the playoffs that’s better than Hillcrest,” Wright said.

The game presents a unique opportunity for the sixth-ranked Eagles (23-2). It’s a chance to make their mark around the state before they make a run at the school’s first state championship, and to do it with little pressure.

The PCA players figure it’s a win-win situation for them. Whatever pressure surrounds a meaningless tuneup game rests squarely on the shoulders of the Cougars (24-1), ranked No. 25 by Collegiate Baseball magazine.

“If we can win this game going into the playoffs, it’s going to be a big momentum boost for us,” PCA first baseman Andrew Embry said. “We have to play like it’s a playoff game, because it’s a playoff atmosphere. If we lose, it’s a loss in the loss column, but it helps us get prepared for the playoffs.”

Hillcrest has already made its mark. The school has won five state championships since 1989, advanced to the state finals eight times in that span, and produced numerous players who have gone on to the college ranks.

Two of them, Seth Smith and Stephen Head both have moved on to play at Ole Miss and turned into phenoms early in their careers. Smith was a first-team Freshman All-America last season, and Head is a favorite to claim that honor this year.

Hillcrest’s success has made it a benchmark for programs to strive for, Wright said.

“Coach (Paul Wyczawski) is the best coach in the state, and I think that’s evident by the number of kids he’s had go on to college and do well,” Wright said. “I don’t think there’s any question they are the premiere program in academy baseball.”

Wright will start Ryan Hoben on the mound and said he may throw as many as four different pitchers on Friday, depending on how the game unfolds. Hoben is 8-1 this season, with 89 strikeouts and a 1.00 ERA in 55-1/3 innings pitched.

Wright said he wasn’t sure who Hillcrest would counter with, but added it wouldn’t make much of a difference.

“He’s got six kids that throw 85 or 90 and we’re going to see somebody good,” Wright said.

Win or lose on Friday, the Eagles were excited about the game. A meeting between the teams earlier this season was rained out, and they aren’t about to miss a second chance to take down No. 1.

“This will show them what we’re made of, and what we’re building this program around,” PCA second baseman Aaron Curry said. “It doesn’t really mean anything if we lose. I just want to try to keep it close, because we seem to do our best in close games.”