Even if Escambia Academy began its 2018 baseball season earlier this week, the future is bright for the program, coach John Fields said.

“I think we’re going to have a good team this year,” Fields said.

The Cougars enter a new season after finishing in the 2017 AISA Class 2A Regional Semifinals.

EA is fielding two seniors this year.

“The foundation is bright,” Fields said. “We’re still a young team.”

Those playing for the varsity squad this season include Chase Bell, Randall Bonds, Jackson Bonner, Kameron Bowen, Colby Burkett, Cameron Cloud, Jason Davis, Jonathan Doggett, Brandon Gulsby, MJ Jones, Derrick Mueller, Bryant Quimby, Trayce Sells and JJ Stevens.

Fields said the Cougars will have much improvement on the catcher’s position this year.

In the region, Clarke Prep is the team to beat, he said.

“Macon-East is the team to beat in 2A,” he said.

EA is in action against Clarke Prep in the Gator Tournament on Saturday in Grove Hill.