The Firecrackers organization as led by Tony Rico has expanded all over the nation and last August entered the talent-heavy, but competitive. state of Georgia.

The Director of the Georgia organization is Scott McDonald who oversees eight teams currently in the Peach State ranging in age from 8U to 16U with an 18U Gold team to be added next year

Last month we told you about the 16U team getting its first verbal; today we’re profiling the Firecrackers GA – McDonald squad, which is a second year 14U team loaded with pitching, power hitters, slappers and speed.

Several players are also already receiving interest from colleges.

Here’s a closer look at the team as we asked Coach McDonald questions about the team in general and who are some of the players being looked at closely…

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FullCountSoftball: Why did the Firecrackers’ organization make a move into Georgia, which already has several high-profile teams and how did your team get its start?
Scott McDonald: Recognizing the need and, in an effort to capture the talent on the East Coast, the Firecrackers organization expanded into Georgia in August 2014. The Firecrackers GA – McDonald team was formed and played their first tournament, the Champions Elite Showcase, in November 2014.

FCS.com: Where are you based and where do your athletes come from?
SM: The Firecrackers GA – McDonald team is based in McDonough, Ga. approximately 30 miles south of Atlanta. Our student-athletes are strategically located all over Georgia; some travel 75 miles one way to practice.

FCS.com: What are your goals and priorities for the team?
SM: The Firecrackers organization mission is to provide a level of training to our players that ensures the highest level of social and athletic development and growth, so our purpose for creating the Firecrackers GA – McDonald team is multifaceted. Exposure for our players is critical at this age group while, at the same time, continuing to develop their skills is vital.

FCS.com: It’s been less than a year since you formed, but what would you say have been some of your successes in terms of winning or placing at events?
SM: The team has played in several showcases and tournaments in the 16U division and were very competitive. While our qualifier season has just begun, and we are only halfway through our first season together, I’m very confident that as we develop our footprint, we will have a lot of success.

FCS.com: What is it you’re trying to instill in the athletes besides on-field skills?
SM: Playing the game professionally, having self-respect and respecting others are the core values the Firecrackers organization was built upon. The Firecrackers organization has produced many talented collegiate student-athletes by providing an environment where the players can learn, grown and develop lifelong skills necessary to be successful.

FCS.com: What’s your softball background and how did you get to the point of leading the team?
SM: I have two daughters and have been coaching for eight years. I played slowpitch at a very high level for many years and started coaching girls fastpitch when my oldest daughter was eight and the head coach quit the team. I took over the team and have attended approximately 20 coaching clinics to date and I continue learning something new every day!

FCS.com: What would you say makes you most happy or proud about this team?
SM: With this group of girls being fairly new to each other you would not know it by the way they play as a team. Early on we developed a team environment and the girls created a team motto: “Team Before Me.” At that point I knew I had a special group. This team has truly bought into the Firecrackeers’ “Play With Honor” philosophy.

FCS.com: What is your primary focus or goal with this team?
SM: As a new second year 14U team, my primary focus has been to get our girls in competitive tournaments and to get them in front of college coaches.

FCS.com: What do you think makes this team competitive and one to watch?
SM: This team is truly a coach’s dream! In terms of versatility and strength, the team has power hitters, slappers, speed, a rock solid defense, and pitchers who have speed but can also move the ball in the circle.

FCS.com: Is there one thing you would say separates this team from other club programs?
SM: The one thing that separates us from other programs is the Firecrackers name and the rich tradition of producing successful student-athletes on and off the field. In addition, as a Firecracker team, you will most always see your opponent’s top pitcher and that has a tendency to make you a better team.

FCS.com: How does the team work together off the field?
SM: One of our team’s core values is community service. As such, I am so proud of our team for volunteering their time in communities all over Georgia. From working in a homeless shelter to helping with special needs children to raising the awareness about the conditions that lead to sudden cardiac arrest and death in young athletes and children, this team recognizes the value of giving back to their communities.

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Here are some of the players to watch on the Firecrackers GA – McDonald 14U team with comments from Coach McDonald:

— 3B/SS/2B Haley Cook (2018, uncommitted)
“Haley is dynamite in a small package. She hit 11 home runs last season and has a short, quick swing that generates a lot of bat speed with a very strong core. Defensively, she has a good glove and is versatile on the infield. She is a humble leader and competitive teammate with an enthusiastic attitude. Haley can hit in the No. 3 and 4 slot in our lineup.”

— P/1B/2B Tori Dover (2018, uncommitted)
“Tori is a work horse in the circle. She has excellent movement and location on the ball, which keeps batters off balance. Mentally, she stays focused on the task at hand while maintaining a positive attitude. Defensively, Tori can play multiple positions and is both a competitor and leader on the team. She can hit in the 3 and 4 slots in our lineup as well.”

— 2B/RF/CF Autumn Land (2019, uncommitted)
“Autumn is a slapper and has a keen sense of her responsibility as the 2 hitter in our lineup. She can also put the ball in play forcing any defense to guess what she’s going to do next. Autumn is fundamentally sound on both offense and defense. She is a speedster who brings a ton of experience to the team. Don’t be fooled by her quiet demeanor!”

— RF/2B Katie McDonald (2019, uncommitted)
“Katie is a left handed batter who throws right handed and brings speed to the team. She can lay down the bunt or hit to move runners. Katie can play both infield and outfield, which adds depth to our roster. She is a great teammate who is always smiling and who brings a sense of humor to the team. Katie currently bats in the 8 slot in our lineup.”

— C/3B Claire Williams (2019, uncommitted)
“Claire is a catcher on the team who is a tremendously hard worker. She is a contact hitter who currently hits in the 5/6 slot in our lineup. Defensively, Claire has a strong arm and good glove. She exhibits a positive attitude and can be found lending encouragement to her teammates. Claire possesses great knowledge of the game and is a true competitor.”