POST FALLS - A new face in a familiar place will take over the reigns as coach of the Prairie "AA" American Legion baseball team when they open the season tonight at 5 against the Spokane Dodgers at Post Falls High.

Taking the helm this season is Lakeland High graduate Dustin Frank, who played for Prairie from 2001 to 2003. Frank also played baseball at Whitworth University.

The Prairie program is comprised of players from Post Falls, Lakeland and Timberlake high schools.

"I've see a lot of talent out there," Frank said. "We're pretty well-rounded for kids in each district of our team. We've got a lot of kids in the 'A' program also, so we'll be pretty well rounded between the two programs. It will depend on how well the kids mesh together."

Kostas Garcia, Cody Vandever, Nick Vela, Bryson Smith and Nick Berger will be the primary pitchers for Prairie this season.

At first base will be either Darnell Metcalf, Tony Davidson and Tyler Burnett, with Bordyn Greiser and Taylor Valente at second.

Smith will play shortstop when he's not on the mound. Backing him up will be Zack Reeder.

"Bryson will probably be there when he's not pitching," Frank said. "It depends if Reeder gets called up from the single 'A' program."

Third base will be played by either Vandever or Greiser.

Kurt South will lead the Cardinal outfield in center field, with Connor Peery or Cody VanDuyne in left field. Derek Tymesen, Tony Shepherd and Jacob Coleman will compete with VanDuyne for playing time in right field.

"I've got some really high expectations," Frank said. "My goal every year is to win a state title. But our main goal is to work hard and try to play the game the way it is supposed to be played."

Prairie does not have any returning college athletes this season.

"We've got a couple kids that are very capable of playing at that level," Frank said. "Cody (VanDuyne) has all the tools to be a college ballplayer. I've only seen them a few days, but I'm very optimistic about the season."

Prairie travels to the Missoula tournament, as well as the Lewiston tournament in early July before hosting the Class AA Area A tournament at Post Falls High July 22-26.