THOMASVILLE — Four Bulldogs have been given All-State honors by the Georgia Dugout Club. Graduating senior Carson Fryman was named to the All-State first team and Brandon Allen, Ethan Barrett, and Gus Novak were named to the All-State second team.

“It speaks to the individual. Each one of those kids and who they are and what they’ve put into it. But also I think from a team perspective it has shown that the guys have held each other accountable to one another and to the program,” said Thomasville head baseball coach Erik McDougald. “So, with multiple guys I think it’s a tribute to how they push each other.”

The Bulldogs will miss Fryman as he graduates this year. Fryman’s high school career got off to a rough start as he struggled to find his place early on. However, a transition to the outfield in his junior year gave him the push he needed.

“He became a whole other player. He had a good offensive campaign his junior year and his defense was phenomenal. and then you roll him back out his senior year, and he hits in the three-hole,” McDougald said. “I’ve been here since ’95 and he might be the best base runner I’ve had the chance to coach.”

Also heading out is utility player Novak. Novak has played all over the infield during his time with the Bulldogs. He even tried his hand at pitching. Having a player like that is truly invaluable to a team.

“It’s incredibly important to have a kid like Gus who can play anywhere,” said McDougald. “He bounced all around the in-field, he pitched a little bit, he caught. His willingness to say ‘I’m going to do everything you need me to do and I’m going to be good at it’.”

The Bulldogs will, however, be returning two All-State players in pitcher Barrett and catcher Allen. Allen, a more reserved player in his demeanor, received All-State honors as just a freshman. Now, going into his sophomore season, Allen returning gives the the team both comfort and confidence.

“Brandon was a freshman catcher and to know that you’re going to be able to put a catcher back there who was recognized as a freshman, that gives you a comfort level, it gives him a lot of confidence, and it gives your pitching staff a lot of confidence to know that we’ve got this kid back here who’s been recognized already,” said McDougald.

As for Barrett, he brings the fire to the team. An All-State selection only spurs the Chipola commit on. He now looks to be more motivated to perform even better than he did last season. A feat he is more than capable of.

“He’s going to compete. He’s too fiery not to compete,” said McDougald. “That’s really exciting. It’s exciting for him. It’s exciting for the team.”

As the Bulldogs say goodbye to a pair of seniors, they also welcome back a pair of leaders as they strive for a seventh consecutive region title.