I am so proud and so disappointed at the same time. There are some Blade-News readers who get bent out of shape when I write about the rivalry between the Bowie Bulldogs and Eleanor Roosevelt Raiders --- whether boys or girls sports. The rivalry is indeed there, and tonight it took another step deeper into its own lore tonight.

The Bulldogs baseball team enjoyed a phenomenal season in which so many new players and the subsequent adjustment in chemistry were introduced to the dynamic of the team, but Roosevelt simply had the Bulldogs' number this season. In the 4A South regional at Roosevelt, the Raiders defeated Bowie, 14-9, to advance to the state semifinal game Tuesday at Shipley's Field (University of Maryland, College Park).

Bowie enjoyed a 15-4 season which started with coach Bob Estes winning his 300th career game in the season opener at Laurel. Now at 315 wins, Estes will eclipse beloved former BHS coach Bill Seibert in 2011, provided Bowie wins seven games. I tend to think that will happen two-fold.

The chemistry of the Bulldogs this season should not go unnoticed. Newcomers such as pitchers Andrew Brow, Jordan Maslanik and Will Johnson helped steer the Bulldogs back toward the state tournament. Seniors such as Jonathan Smock, Robby Munnelly, Dylan Thompson and Charlie Garner worked so hard to wash away the bitter taste of last season's state semifinal loss, but in the end, there just were not enough hits and runs to take that next step.

Everyone on the Bulldogs roster and coaching staff should be proud of what they accomplished in 2010 and next season looks very promising. Estes has mentioned to me a few times this season how well stocked the JV pond is with fresh fish who will make the jump to varsity in '11. With Brow, Maslanik and Johnson returning to the mound next season, and this season's varsity freshman phenom catcher Matt Bieler returning, Bowie will get back to its deep playoff-winning ways.

And remember, Roosevelt, Bowie went 3-0 against you guys in 2009.