BUDE — Becoming the third baseball coach in three years, newFranklin County diamond master Jeremy Loy is ready to turn over anew leaf for the Bulldog baseball program. Loy’s goal is a moreaggressive and top of the line squad, like Franklin County baseballwas in the past.

“I’m excited,” said Loy about taking over the reins of FCbaseball. “There is a lot of potential here.”

Loy, 28, takes over the Bulldog baseball department in the wakeof former coach Johnny Daves, who stepped down from the post tobecome head football coach and athletic director of Durant HighSchool. Loy served as an assistant under Daves this season.

Daves coached the Bulldogs the last two seasons. Ed Zumbrocoached the Bulldogs from 2002-2004, after Johnny Monroe retired in2001.

“We have a few things we need to work on here, but overall Ifeel we can put a team on the field that can play with anybody,”added Loy. “We played a lot better towards the end of theseason.”

The Bulldogs started the year 1-10, before rebounding to endthis season 10-15 overall. They advanced to the Class 3A stateplayoffs

“Our bats came alive late,” continued Loy. “I like what I sawfrom our younger guys and feel our young junior high group comingup will help us a lot in years to come.”

A 2001 Mississippi State graduate, Loy played baseball atTrinity Episcopal in 1995 and 1996. He was head coach at Trinity in2002, before leaving for an assistant football and baseball post atVicksburg High. Loy came to Franklin County last spring.

“I feel Jeremy will only help our baseball program,” saidFranklin County athletic director Johnny Monroe.”He’s a good youngguy who can help teach and our kids a lot. He’s the type of coachthat can help a kid reach the next level on the playing field.”

Besides overseeing the Bulldogs on the diamond, Loy willcontinue to assist with football at Franklin County. A Natchezresident, he makes the 32-mile journey every day on Highway 84 fromNatchez to Meadville.

“I like it here,” said Loy. “I can’t wait to get started withour baseball team.”