The quarterfinals of the state high school baseball tournament are Monday in Carroll. In the opener top ranked Akron-Westfield takes on Bedford. For Akron-Westfield its the first trip to the state tournament since 2017.

That’s Akron-Westfield coach Gordy Johnson who says it was at the end of last season he thought this one could be special.

Bedford enters the state tournament with a record of 20-10.

Defending champion Remsen St. Mary’s is fourth ranked and opens against North Linn. It is the Hawks’ ninth straight appearance in the state tournament.

That’s Remsen St. Mary’s coach Dean Harpenau. North Linn enters the tournament with 24-8 and Harpenau says the top three hitters for the Lynx set the table.

Harpenau says North Linn always features speed on the base paths and this one is no different.