You figure if the Bismarck Governors keep elbowing their way into the top three at the state tournament, it's just a matter of time.

But to assume anything, particularly this season, would be foolhardy, according to Govs coach Mike Skytland.

Yes, Skytland expects to have another good team. And yes, he expects to do well. The problem is, there are many Class A Legion coaches with the same viewpoint.

"It's going to be very competitive," Skytland said as he assessed the Western Division. "You've got Minot with most of its players back from last year. They were state champions and probably have to be the favorite. Dickinson just won the state (high school) championship and were playing really well at the end of the season.

"Williston has the two big hitters (Andy Leer and Tyler Liffrig) and McHale Maristuen coming back (from Williston State College) and Mandan will battle you. I just don't see anyone being weak."

And it doesn't end there.

"I would think you could put Fargo and Grand Forks right in with the top teams from the West," Skytland noted.

So even with a lot of talented players returning, Skytland wouldn't recommend betting on the Governors to routinely go about beating up their opponents.

"I think we're going to have a lot that will come down to execution and big hits," the Governors coach observed. "… I'm confident our pitchers are going to give us a chance in every game, but nothing is going to be easy."

The Govs open their season by leaping completely over the frying pan and right into the fire. They play host to Williston in a 5:30 divisional doubleheader tonight at Municipal Ballpark. Monday they head to Minot for two more loop contests.

"Welcome to the West Region," Skytland said of his early-season schedule. "…I think we'll play well in those games, but whether we win them or not will come down to a couple of plays."

Skytland's pitching staff includes two of his top three winners from last summer - Zach Wentz and Matt Loomis. The two right-handers won six and five games, respectively.

Those two hurlers, Jon Hausauer and JeremyCampbell will probably make up the core of the Govs mound staff.

"There are other guys in the rotation but those guys for sure will be the nucleus," Skytland said.

Dustin Wenzel pitched extensively for Bismarck last summer, firing the team's only shutout. Cody Erhardt, JustinConnell, Drew Eichele, Torey Bohan, Jon Hausauer and Tyler Johnson all pitched for the Governors in 2006 on a more limited basis. Zach Klabo pitched for the Bismarck Reps last season and is coming off a strong high school showing.

Skytland said two of his catchers, Bohan and Johnson, will probably be used primarily for short stints as closers.

"Things could change, but right now we're kind of looking at two of our catchers - Tyler Johnson and Torey Bohan to do some closing," the coach observed. "… We think pitching will be one of our strengths - as long as we stay healthy."

Wentz, Bohan, Wenzel,Connell and Erhardt were major contributors to the Bismarck offense last season, and Skytland need to find a way to get them as many plate appearances as possible. Bohan is likely to share the catching duties with Johnson, but both will log time elsewhere.

Skytland said such versatility is characteristic of the 2007 Governors. Most of his players can play multiple positions, including pitcher. And there's an endless supply of receivers.

"I don't think I've ever seen so many players who can catch and do a good job back there," the coach noted. "… We have about six guys I would trust behind the plate."

Wentz, who had knee surgery last fall, will start the season at first base. He could move to the left side of the infield if it becomes obvious his legs are ready for the wear and tear. Loomis Zach Klabo provide depth at first.

Jon Hausauer gets the call at second base with Drew Hausauer as a backup.

Connell, who can play anywhere on the diamond, could also see some action at second.

Loomis and Eichele will probably get the bulk of the playing time at third base and Tom Seifert is the first choice at shortstop. Seifert, who didn't play summer baseball last year, is a three-year starter for St. Mary's.

Center fielder Cody Erhardt returns for his third year as a starter. Dustin Wenzel has the first crack at right field and Campbell is the probable starter in left field. Nathan Schlosser, Darron Olson, Johnson and Bohan are also part of the outfield mix.

Skytland likes his pitching depth, but expects it to be taxed to the limit this month.

The Governors play in three June tournaments - at Fargo next week, at Omaha the following week and Fargo again the week thereafter.

By the time Independence Day rolls around, Skytland said he expects to have at least nine pitchers "or more" with innings under their belts."

Bismarck Governors

2006 record: 31-20 overall, 10-9 Western Division, third place. First in divisional tournament, state tournament qualifier. Third at state.

Coach: Mike Skytland, fourth season.

State tournament history: The Governors have played in the last 18 state tournaments. Bismarck has won 11 state titles with six runner-up finishes. Bismarck's last trip to the finals was in 2005 when Fargo won the title. The Governors' last state championship came in 1997.

Roster: College - Jeremy Campbell (P-OF), Justin Connell (IF-C-OF-P), Torey Bohan (C-OF-P).

Seniors - Cody Erhardt (OF-P), Drew Hausauer (IF-P-C), Zach Klabo (1B-C-P), Matt Loomis (P-3B-1B-P), Darron Olson (OF), TomSeifert (SS), Dustin Wenzel (OF-P).

Juniors - Drew Eichele (3B-C-P), Jon Hausauer (IF-P-C), Tyler Johnson (C-OF-P), Nathan Schlosser (OF), Zach Wentz (IF-P).

Leading hitters: Zach Wentz .396, 2 HR, 47 RBIs, 41 R, 11 doubles. Torey Bohan .329, 2 HR, 36 RBIs, 29 R, 9 doubles. Dustin Wenzel .300, 3 HR, 32 RBIs, 39 R, 9 doubles, 9 SB. Justin Connell .289, 2 HR, 22 RBIs, 26 R, 9 SB. Cody Erhardt .282, 0 HR, 18 RBIs, 45 R, 10 SB.

Leading pitchers: Zach Wentz 6-2, 1.81 ERA, 38.2 IP, 31 H, 13 R, 10 ER, 19 BB, 49 SO. Matt Loomis 5-1, 1.89 ERA, 40.2 IP, 38 H, 17 R, 11 ER, 19 BB, 30 SO. Cody Erhardt 2-1, 3.36 ERA, 25 IP, 34 H, 16 R. 12 ER. 8 BB. 8 SO. Dustin Wenzel 3-2, 4.89 ERA, 34.1 IP, 38 H, 28 R, 24 ER, 25 BB, 14 SO.

Team statistics: Hitting - .332, 14 HR, 60 SB, 363 R. Pitching - 357.1 IP, 445 H, 259 R, 188 BB, 213 SO, 3.88 ERA. Fielding - .956, 69 E, 61 unearned runs.

3 NOTES: Connell played for Bismarck State College this spring and Bohan played junior varsity ball at Jamestown College. … Campbell, who is from Bottineau, played at the University of Mary and became eligible to play for the Governors when his family established a residence in BIsmarck. … The Governors outscored the opposition by 104 runs last summer, 363-259. Bismarck hit .332 as a team to .307 for its opponents. … Defensively, the Governors made just 69 errors while fielding a sharp .956. Opponents were charged with 113 miscues. … Bismarck had a 60-35 edge in stolen bases. … Wenzel pitched Bismarck's only shutout last season. … Skytland has a 92-63 record as Governors coach with a second place and two third place state tournament finishes.