NATCHEZ — It’s not often that a team can go through a regular season undefeated, especially in baseball, because of the number of games played.

But that’s exactly what Cathedral did in 2009, which is why Green Wave coach Craig Beesley and senior pitcher Preston Edwards were named The Natchez Democrat’s 2009 All-Metro Coach and Player of the Year.

The Green Wave rolled through the regular season 19-0 and pushed that record to 21-0 after winning their first round playoff series.

Unfortunately, they got a tough draw in the Class 1A playoffs and faced a very hot St. Aloysius team in the second round.

The Wave fell to the eventual state champions in two games and finished the season with a 21-2 record.

Despite the tough playoff loss, Beesley was still pleased with the season his team had.

“We started off pretty good and had some close games early in the year,” Beesley said. “At midseason we started playing well. You always want to go undefeated but the percentages aren’t in your favor. We were able to win some close games and had a great season.”

Beesley knew that the playoff run would be tough, and wasn’t surprised the Wave drew a tough opponent early.

“We knew the south was loaded with talented teams in 1A,” Beesley said. “It didn’t matter which way you went, you were going to get a tough draw. Four teams could have won it as easy as anyone and St. Aloysius got hot at the right time. Unfortunately, we met them in the second round.”

One of the reasons for Cathedral’s success this year was the play of Edwards.

The senior pitcher dominated on the mound, going 10-2 with a 2.25 earned run average. He struck out 75 batters and allowed just 23 hits in 40 2/3 innings.

He was just as solid at the plate, batting .446 with seven home runs and 32 RBIs.

“Preston is definitely someone who makes a coach look good,” Beesley said. “It was a confidence booster for our whole team when he was on the mound. He always drew the toughest assignments on the mound and kept us in every game. That’s all a coach asks, just keep us in the game.

Edwards, who will play baseball at Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Wesson next year, said having confidence was a big key to his success.

“You have to have confidence and try not to get down on yourself,” Edwards said. “When someone makes an error, you have to keep your head up and keep going at them. I just go out there an do my job. That’s what I tried to do and it paid off.”

While the Player of the Year award is Edwards’ first, Beesley won his second consecutive Coach of the Year honor.

He also won it last year after guiding Cathedral to the Class 1A South State finals.

However, he said the players are the biggest reason he had the opportunity to be selected for the honor.

“I look at it as more of an honor for the kids on the team,” Beesley said. “Without good player I would be coach of the year. They’re the ones who are out there playing and making the plays. I like the honor, but think it’s something the kids should be proud of also.”