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4 Teams In Contention For SAC Championship Today

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By MATTHEW PARKE Tribune correspondent

Published: October 9, 2007

One of the most hotly contested Sunshine Athletic Conference boys golf tournaments in years will be held at Crescent Oaks today. Four teams will vie for the title or a share of it, after a wild finish to the regular season has put host Mitchell on its guard against challengers Ridgewood, Land O' Lakes and River Ridge.

On Oct. 2, Land O' Lakes' stunning three-stroke victory against Mitchell sent shockwaves throughout the SAC. It was the Mustangs' first conference loss in 19 matches and suddenly, the prospects of one-loss Ridgewood and two-loss Land O' Lakes and River Ridge were transformed.

With the tournament featuring an expanded 18-hole competition and a 10-point regular-season bonus for its winner, the race could not be any closer. Here is a breakdown of the four teams who have a shot for SAC glory.

MITCHELL: Losing to Land O' Lakes did not discourage the Mustangs as they wrapped up their regular season with a quad-match victory against non-conference opponents East Lake, Tarpon Springs and Clearwater on Oct. 4. According to Coach Rick Hyatt, the win was the boost they needed in advance of their SAC championship defense.

'It was a disappointing loss for all the guys. In the quad-match we played very solid round and I am very encouraged by that. ... It was a good all-around team effort. I am glad we played that. If we ended on Land O' Lakes, it would have been a letdown going into the tournament. It was good for the guys to get another win under their belt,' Hyatt said.

The comforts of home should benefit the Mustangs as they have the most experience playing the back nine of Crescent Oaks. According to Hyatt, the championship could hinge on how other teams react to the subtle differences of the back stretch.

'I don't think it's any tougher, it's just different. There are some drivable par-4s, where you have to hit it on the button. ... I think it's different than what the competition is used to. Sometimes they get too comfortable playing the same nine over and over again,' Hyatt said.

No. 1 Kenny Cavender has plenty of 18-hole play in his career and has the potential to break par. Chaz Heinz, Dan Fliesher and Isaac Schaefer's recent performance have shown that the Mustangs' talent level goes deep for a tournament that will require great rounds from all scored golfers.

RIDGEWOOD: Even though Ridgewood and Mitchell are now tied with one conference loss, the sting of the Rams' sudden-death loss Sept. 6 is still fresh in their minds going into the tournament.

'The kids keep talking about the loss and they were very disappointed because they knew they should have won. We have practiced on Mitchell's course a few times this week. They are getting to know the course and hopefully they can play a little better than last time,' Rams coach Gary Zimmerman said.

Zimmerman reports that his top golfers Jordan Padova, Sean Crane, Jeff Koos and Randy Watkins are firing on all cylinders and have been playing well in their practice rounds at Crescent Oaks, where they are averaging a 37 on the back nine.

'We just have to go out and play our game. There is no reason to rest. We can't play a whole better than we are playing right now. We are at peak-season form,' Zimmerman said.

LAND O' LAKES: With two conference losses preceding the match, the Gators' 159-162 conference win in Mitchell's backyard was, according to Coach Tom Clark, more than necessary. They now have a chance for a share of the title with a win today.

'Beating Mitchell was mandatory. We had to do it. If we didn't, we would have had seven conference wins and would not be in control of our fate,' Clark said.

Depth-wise, the Gators are strong in their top three, including Josh Barnett and Robbie Nieman. However, Wes Parrish will be the golfer to beat for the Gators.

'Parrish is a weathered vet as far as tournaments are concerned. He loves 18-hole tournaments. I expect him to go extremely low. He shot the 31 for the nine-hole school record, he can go low. It just whether if he makes his putts or not,' Clark said.

The strain of the expanded tournament is expected to wear on all golfers, especially Clark's lower seeds. In preparation, Clark has had his players hit the gym for cardiovascular workouts to improve their stamina for the final stretch.

RIVER RIDGE: The Royal Knights are playing some of the hottest golf after opening their SAC season with two losses. Since their slow start, Mike Marlin's boys have rattled off eight straight conference wins and are poised to play the spoiler.

'We've played better and better as the season has gone on. We like the golf course and shot our low round of the 2006 season there,' Marlin said.

The tournament's18-hole setup will favor the Royal Knights, if the play is snappy and brisk, according to Marlin.

'As long as it keeps moving, I am hoping that my guys can play in four hours. It'll help us if the tournament moves along. If it gets backed up, and there are some holes that can back up, where guys have to hit 200 yards over the water. There are some teams that will have trouble with that,' Marlin said.

The team responded well in practice rounds on the back nine of Crescent Oaks. Marlin's top four, including golfers Jeff King and Kyle Jackson, are hitting solid drives to overcome the lengthy par-4s that lurk back there.

'On that course, you hit a driver on so many holes. You have to hit it long. ... I don't think some of the other competitors can make it. Our length is going to help us on the golf course,' Marlin said.

Overall, Marlin is confident in his team's chances now that the race has tightened up. But he does not discount the level of talent that will surround his team today.

'These teams are the closest I have ever seen them. Usually there are one or two teams that are better, but any of the four teams can win if they play well,' Marlin said.

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