WITH A talented and deep roster, it was only a matter of time before the Jackson County golf team broke the school scoring record.
That time came Tuesday.
The Panthers crafted a score of 155 at Double Oaks Golf Course to win the county championship by 17 strokes over Jefferson (172). This is the team’s third-straight title. The old scoring record was 159, set last year.
“They just did a great job of getting ready to play this week,” Jackson County coach Warren Standridge said.
Two Panthers fired sub-40 scores to lead Jackson County to the win. York Delloyd shot a 36, and Thomas Whitley — who recently tied his own individual scoring record (34) — added a 38.
Jared Scott (40) and River Bryant (41) rounded out the scoring. Others playing were Colton Standridge (42) and Kyle Daniel (43).
Coach Standridge noted that his team got off to a fast start in the tournament with Delloyd carding two early birdies. He said the team is playing at a high level right now.
“I think the kids are learning how to compete on a daily basis,” Standridge said.
Jackson County was coming off two 18-hole tournaments in the last four days during which it played against some top flight teams.
The Panthers competed in the Warrior Invitational Saturday and the Big Red Shootout Monday. Jackson County finished sixth in the Monday tournament.
Standridge believes that experience helped the team out Tuesday.
“It’s being in that tournament atmosphere that makes a big difference,” Standridge said.
Jackson County has five regular season matches left, so the scoring record could fall again.
“We just want to keep building on what we’re doing,” Standridge said.
Jackson County plays again Thursday against Franklin County at Traditions of Braselton Golf Club. After that, the Panthers won’t play again until April 12 due to spring break. Standridge hopes that won’t halt Jackson County’s momentum.
“The only thing I worry about is spring break,” Standridge said. “You don’t know how you’re going to be playing coming back.”
Standridge hopes that the team will get in some practice rounds at Traditions during the break and continue with their good work habits.
“If we keep doing what we’re doing, then we should be in pretty good shape,” Standridge said.
As for the other teams at the county championships, Jefferson finished second with a 172. Andrew Thompson led the Dragons with a 37.
East Jackson was third with a 184, paced by Nathan Crumley’s 45. Commerce shot a 188 to finish fourth.
