All Eyes On State Champ Taney Dragons As Quest For LLWS Continues

By Mike DeNardo

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Philadelphia's Taney Dragons put their Little League World Series hopes on the line this morning in Bristol, Connecticut.

The Dragons represent Pennsylvania in a regional semifinal matchup against New York champ Colonie at 11 a.m. That's the team that beat Taney in pool play Tuesday night.

But Taney coach Alex Rice says it's better that the two teams have seen each other because now he's got a better idea of how to pitch them. And Rice says his kids aren't really aware that the eyes of Philadelphia are on them:

"I really don't feel that they're feeling pressure. I just think it's kind of neat that they're getting a little bit of attention, and they're ready to play baseball."

Rice says they'll start this game like all of the others:

"I just keep saying the same thing to them as we yell out, '1-2-3 Philly!' and head out of the dugout."

The Dragons beat New York, 6-5, today to advance to the Mid-Atlantic Finals of the Little League World Series.

Taney will play Sunday night on national TV for the right to board a bus to the Little League World Series next week in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Check Out These Other Stories: