Novi -- Preseason Division 4 No. 1-ranked Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett powered over Novi Franklin Road Christian 19-0 and 5-0 in the season-opening doubleheader for the teams on April 3 at Franklin Road's new Warrior Field.

 

 

Tommy Graves tossed a one-hitter and struck out 12 in a six-inning mercy in the first game. Graves added three hits and three runs batted in at the plate in the first game.

Curtis Fisher led the offense in the first game, stealing four bases, scoring two runs and knocking in two runs. Patrick Gustine scored three runs and had a run batted in. Clark Dirksen added two runs and two rbi.

Freshmen Dominic Jamett and Joseph Simon were terrific in their debuts for Liggett. Jamett had three hits and three runs batted in and Simon added two hits and drove in four runs in the two games.

Fisher and Gustine combined for another one-hitter in the second game, that went four innings before being called due to darkness.

The Knights are coming off a very successful season in 2007, where they reached the quarterfinals, falling to eventual state runner-up Allen Park Inter-City Baptist. Liggett pounded Royal Oak Shrine 10-0 to win their regional title to avenge a loss to Shrine in the regionals a year earlier.

With most of their starters back this year and a strong rotation of pitchers and plenty of offensive pop, the Knights are ranked in the preseason coaches poll as the No. 1 team in Division 4, above defending state champion Reading at No. 2. Rudyard sits at No. 3, Southfield Christian at No. 4, and North Muskegon at No. 5.

The Knights go back to the field on Saturday at Auburn Hills Oakland Christian for a doubleheader beginning at noon.