FF places seventh, CA 10th in States
VASSALBORO, Maine — The Fort Fairfield Tigers placed seventh out of 12 teams with a 378 in the Class C state team championships, held Saturday at Natanis Golf Course.
Playing on the Arrowhead course, Robbie Watson paced the team with a 73 and Jon Bernard and Carter Bruce both had 95s. Vincent Campbell carded a 115.
“My kids did a very nice job under very cold conditions and playing under the pressure of a state championship,” said Tiger coach Larry Gardner.
He added that Watson, who had the third lowest score among golfers in the division, was exceptional, but noted that two errant swings cost him about five strokes and prevented him from being even with Taylor Morang of Winthrop, who came in with a 68, which was the low score in Class C.
Central Aroostook compiled a score of 397 and was led by Alex Folsom, who had a 92. Shane Stackpole (101), Kenny Bell and Zack Grass (both with 102s) were the Panthers’ other players.
“I was extremely happy with the team’s performance,” said CA coach Adam Metzler. “It is always challenging when we are bumped into Class C and have to compete with those teams. I tell the kids to enjoy the experience and just go out and play their game, if they do that then we can walk away knowing we took full advantage of playing in a state championship.”
Winthrop was the champion with a 315 and St. Dominic’s had a 324 and Houlton a 326. Mattanawcook Academy, Madison and North Yarmouth Academy took the next three positions.
Fort Fairfield was next, followed by Forest Hills, George Stevens Academy, CA, Penobscot Valley and Jonesport-Beals.
Watson is the Tigers’ only golfer to qualify for the individual championships this weekend. Watson, a senior, is the defending Class C state champion.
“It will be a nice battle to watch this weekend when Robbie tries to defend his title with [he and Morang] paired together again along with a couple of other players who could win as well,” Gardner said.
Folsom is also set to compete again Saturday, as are Presque Isle golfers Jenna Hallett and Hunter Flynn, who both had qualified at the PVC championships held Oct. 2 in Lincoln. Hallett is the defending schoolgirl state champ, while Flynn is making his state individual tourney debut.
