Playoffs? Thunderducks wrapping up

It’s been a seesaw battle between the Thunderducks and the Metro Athletic Conference. Though close to a winning baseball season, Richland finished April over .500. After losing 16-6 to Mountain View on April 26, the T-Ducks won the next two against the Lions, 21-10 and 15-5. Only a few games remain in the season. The T-Ducks can finish the season no higher than third in the conference.

NFL draft Cowboys review

The 2018 NFL draft in Arlington is over and the Dallas Cowboys picked up a good group of draft picks. In addition to selecting Leighton Vander Esch in the first round, the Cowboys also picked tackle Conner Williams from the University of Texas, wide receiver Michael Gallup from Colorado State and Dorance Armstrong Jr., a defensive end, from Kansas. A total of nine picks plus, the Cowboys grabbed wide receiver Tavon Austin from the Los Angeles Rams. Austin hasn’t scored a touchdown since the 2016 season.

Sportswatch

It’s clear to say that the Rangers’ season is already over. Finishing April at 10-12 and 11-19 overall, Texas will look forward to dealing with another difficult month. The NBA playoffs are down to eight teams. In the West at presstime it’s Houston vs. Utah and Golden State vs. New Orleans. In the East it’s Toronto vs. Cleveland and Boston vs. Philadelphia. The NHL Playoffs are down to eight as well. Nashville and Vegas are the two teams most likely to square off in the Western Conference Finals. In the East, it could be the Washington Capitals’ year, but not if Tampa Bay has anything  to do with it.

In Major League Soccer, FC Dallas finally lost a match. At Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, FCD lost to New York City FC, 3-1. According to The Associated Press, FC Dallas came in without having conceded a goal in 208 minutes. This month, it will face the expansion Los Angeles FC for the first time at the new Banc of California Stadium in L.A. A total of five fixtures in May and FC Dallas currently sits in fourth in the Western Conference.

WNBA’s preseason tips off this month as the Dallas Wings look to fly past last season’s early playoff exit. The regular season begins May 18 at Phoenix, then at home on May 20 against Atlanta.

Thanks for the memories

After two years and a bunch of stories, this is my last column for the Richland Chronicle going back to my first column Aug. 23, 2016, covering the return of Richland’s wrestling program. The rest is history. I had the privilege of covering Richland’s athletics, Texas, national and international sports, championships and losing seasons, celebrating hometown heroes and mourning the loss of legends. I also won some awards along the way. Now, I pass the torch to the next class and the flames still burn with Richland pride.

On a personal note, thanks to the award-winning student media staff, coaches and players. More importantly, I thank the entire Richland community. It’s been a blast and I wish you all the best. Go Thunderducks!