The Stratford Eagles advanced to the GIAA Class 4A baseball semifinals by making quick work of Bethlehem Christian last Thursday in a dominant two-game sweep.

Now, the challenge becomes much tougher.

Stratford will travel to Columbus this week to face the defending state champion Brookstone Cougars, who are chasing a third straight GIAA Class 4A title. The winner advances to the state championship series beginning May 28 at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro.

The matchup also carries some added intrigue. It will serve as a rematch of the 2025 GIAA Class 4A state championship game, in which Stratford defeated Brookstone 14-7.

The Cougars reached the semifinals after surviving a three-game battle with Calvary Christian. Brookstone won Game One 2-1, dropped Game Two in extra innings, then responded with a 9-6 victory in the deciding game Saturday.

The teams have not met in baseball since 2021, when Brookstone swept Stratford in the first round of the GHSA Single A Private playoffs.

After closing the regular season by losing three of their final five games, the Eagles looked refreshed and focused coming out of a two-week layoff.

Stratford wasted little time taking control in Game One against Bethlehem Christian, scoring five runs in the first two innings on the way to a 10-0 victory.

Tucker Johnston helped ignite the offense with a two-run double in the opening inning, while Jett Johnston added a three-run homer in the second. Tate Johnston later drove in another run with a single.

Hayden Camps earned the win after throwing five shutout innings, allowing five hits while striking out six batters. Stratford finished with 11 hits in the opener. Jaxen Justice, Colton Whittington, and Tucker Johnston each collected two hits.

The Eagles completed the sweep with an 11-1 victory in Game Two behind a huge performance from Jaxen Justice, who finished with three hits, including a triple, double, and home run.

Casey Von Waldener dominated on the mound, striking out 12 batters while allowing just one run over seven innings. Stratford pounded out 13 hits and also stole six bases in the victory.

Now, Stratford turns its attention toward the defending champions with a spot in the state finals on the line.