Caldwell led the competition through most of the first round ‘til the slugger from Alabama , Jeremiah Somerford, stroked 14 balls out of the park before his 5th out. So, the 2nd round began with the 6 top players. Again, the boys were allowed to hit ‘til they recorded 5 outs. Caldwell started the 2nd round off again with a strong 4 HR effort. Wills knocked out 2, while the next 3 "sluggers" (including Somerford) could only manage 1 "big fly" apiece. The last participant, Jacob Watcher from Sumpter South Carolina , hit 4 out to tie Caldwell and send the competition into a 3rd round "head to head" match up between the best Virginia and South Carolina sluggers.

Caldwell started off with a long ball on the first pitch. Caldwell ’s older brother-Kin, had handled the pitching duties. Caldwell then drove the next pitch into the dirt and "hacked" at the 3rd pitch up in his eyes to quickly get down to his last "out". His swing was a long screamer to the fence that was just below the fence line for out number 3. The young slugger from South Carolina , Watcher, who stood slightly below shoulder height of "The Moose" Caldwell , had two outs quickly on the first two pitches. Watcher then stroked the next 2 pitches over the fence for the come-from-behind win!

The HR Derby ended about 3:00 pm and the players returned to their motels for a brief time of R&R until they were due back at Pascagoula High School for the big team dinner at 5:30 p.m. and opening ceremonies beginning at 7:00 p.m. The players, coaches, and Dixie officials were treated to a buffet of local "fare" by the Pascagoula organizers at the HS Cafeteria then lined up on the "Panthers" football field for introductions and congratulations. The HR Derby Trophy was awarded to Watcher at this time and many were thanked for "dotting all the I’s and crossing all the T’s" to bring this Dixie World Series event to Pascagoula .

Modern alternative Rock band- "Looking4Juice"- played for a while and led the crowd into the amazing fireworks display put on by the Pascagoula City Chamber of Commerce. Everyone then headed back to the host motel- The La Font Inn- after the festivities for one last dip in the "naturally" heated Olympic sized pool before retiring for a good nights rest before the real ball games begin tomorrow. The journey has only just begun! We look forward to the upcoming week as we strive for excellence and hope to represent our community well.