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A day later, and Kennedale's first baseball state championship was no less sweet for the Wildcats players.

After Kennedale defeated Waco Robinson 5-1 on Thursday night in Austin to secure the Class 3A title, the team celebrated with burgers at Fuddruckers in Round Rock and watched Field of Dreams on the bus ride home. Friday, the players were still feeling a championship rush.

"I woke up this morning feeling amazing," senior Jimmy Norris said Friday. "I think that feeling will keep growing. That was the most special moment in the world. The senior class has been together since we were little kids, and we're best friends. This is what we have played for since Day One."

Norris walked, stole second and scored on a double from Cameron Massengill to put Kennedale up 1-0 in the first inning Thursday. Norris was also one of many Wildcats overcome with emotion following the win.

"It felt like all the weight was lifted, and we could relax," Norris said. "I started crying and actually got my teammates crying too. It was such a relief that I could breathe again and relax, just knowing all that work paid off."

Even though they didn't get home until 1 a.m. Friday, none of the players or coaches dozed on the ride home.

"Not a lot of sleep happening after that win," Kennedale coach Jet Teague said.

Kennedale beat Abilene Wylie, swept Bridgeport, took a three-game series against Andrews and defeated Brownwood 5-0 to reach the state tournament in Austin. Then the Wildcats (33-5-1) beat Robstown and Waco Robinson to cap their playoff run.

"We played some really tough opponents, and I was really proud of how the team handled it all the way through," Teague said. "And then to play back-to-back games on a hot field in high temperatures at Disch-Falk, they showed a lot of heart. That's what got us through."

Norris is a member of a "Fab Five" group of close-knit seniors Kevin Marshall, Corey Taylor, championship game MVP Hayden Elrod and Massengill. Next up for the group? Planning a celebratory beach trip. Then summer baseball and off to college.

"Now we are looking forward to new things past high school baseball," Norris said. "We got our championship. Now it's time for us to learn how to be grown-ups."

Brent Shirley, 817-390-7760