At some schools, winning 25 games and reaching the second round of the state playoffs in slow-pitch softball is viewed as a good season.

At Bogue Chitto, a bit more is expected. Since head coach Scott Leggett took the helm 12 years ago, the Bobcats have been to nine state championships and won five (three in fast-pitch, two in slow-pitch).

“It has always been a necessity to make the playoffs, win district and win championships,” Leggett said. “We don’t settle for runner-ups.”

After losing four members of his team to graduation, including the team’s home run leader in Christian Black,  Bogue Chitto’s lineup will have several new faces this year. Four of his 10 starters are first-year starters, but Leggett said they are doing well so far this season. The Bobcats are 2-1.

“The young players are doing a fantastic job. I just stress to them to keep the game simple and always stay focused on what they have to do,” Leggett said.

The Bobcats’ head coach said over the years he has stressed the importance of defense to his teams. This year will be no different.

The Bobcats are led by seniors Cherie Savoie and Terrah Nelson. Savoie plays right center field and is off to a great start in 2016. She is batting .750 and Leggett said she is also one of the team’s best baserunners. Left center fielder Nelson was recently selected to the 1A All-Star team and, according to Leggett, is the team’s best defender.  She batted .559 and hit four home runs and 43 RBIs for the Bobcats last season.

Two eighth-graders, left fielder Kayci Beth Wallace and third baseman Julianna Frazier, cracked the perennial 1A contender’s starting lineup this year.

Freshman Stevie Montgomery is the Bobcats’ starting pitcher. Shortstop Codi Leggett is the other freshman in the Bobcats’ lineup.  Coach Leggett said the freshman has exhibited a lot of power, even as a young hitter.

At second base is sophomore Karly Leake, who Leggett said is “one of the smoothest players” he has ever seen at the position.

The lineup’s second and final sophomore, Baileigh Jackson, will start in right field.

Rounding out the starting lineup are junior first baseman Reagan Kirkland and junior catcher Lineka Newson.

In order to achieve the success they are accustomed to, Leggett said his team simply needs to keep doing what they have been doing and focus on the small things.

“We don’t need to make any game bigger than what it is,” he said. “Last year, I felt like we knew we were good and we started pressing. We need to keep the game simple.”