FCB Juniors feel fresh and ready for playoff opener tonight

Friday, July 10, 2026

McCOOK, Neb. — Anything looking or smelling fresh on these 95 to 100-degree July days is certainly welcome and coach James Mockry mentioned that magical word twice entering today’s Area 7 Legion Juniors tourney.

“Our arms are fresh. Our legs are fresh,” the McCook First National Bank coach said as the No. 4-seed Juniors take on No. 5 Chadron tonight set for 7 p.m.

McCook is hosting this five-team, double-elimination tournament which will determine one of eight Class B state spots.

The FCB Juniors (7-16) are fresh off five wins during their 10 most recent contests following a 2-11 start.

They avenged one defeat on Monday with their 13-12 triumph over the Alma Mudcats.

Trevan Rundle’s two-RBI triple proved to be one of the big hits through this hotly-contested rematch.

However, it is Rundle’s arm leading the Juniors into tonight’s playoff opener.

“Yeah, Trevan will start on the mound for us,” Mockry told local media this week. “Pitching is definitely the key to winning this area tournament. And we have more pitching than a lot of people realize.”

The Juniors used six pitchers during Monday’s victory. Kaden Riggins finished the contest and is another of FCB’s top arms entering post-season.

Justin Chancellor, Noah Chancellor, Bryant Edwards, Kohyn Cock and Max Van Stelton also worked on the hill against a tough Alma Mudcat team.

They’re also among the leading FCB hitters. A triumph over 3-20 Chadron tonight would set up Saturday’s 4 p.m. contest against 32-win and No. 1 seed Alliance.

“Alliance is a real good team, they’ve beaten several Seniors teams this year,” Mockry revealed. “But Chadron is a pesky team who will take on anyone.”