High school football season hasn’t reached the midway point, but the golf playoffs begin Monday.
Division II schools including Baylor and McCallie will be competing for spots in the state tournament. Class A/AA teams will be in district tournaments – three in the area from Harrison to Manchester.
The South Pittsburg boys will be trying to extend one of the most successful golf seasons in school history.
“We had high expectations last year and came in fourth,” Pirates coach Billy King said. “We lost out on the region tournament by one spot. This year we might be in the same boat, but we hope to come in third [and] go to regional as a team.”
The Pirates have won more than 20 head-to-head matches this season with four four-year starters on the roster.
“They put golf on the map for South Pittsburg,” King said. “We’re starting to hear some rumble when we go to Fall Creek Falls or Dunlap, things like, ‘Y’all’ve got a pretty good golf team.'”
The girls’ teams at Baylor, Soddy-Daisy and Signal Mountain won state championships last season.
Baylor begins its defense in the Division II East/Middle Regional at Bear Trace at Tims Ford. Signal Mountain just needs to finish in the top three of the District 7-A/AA tournament Monday at Willowbrook to move on to region play.
“We could be done in 24 hours if we don’t play well,” Baylor coach Gary Partrick said. “Our playoff experience is limited, but the girls have played well all year long.”
In the district tournaments, the goal is to advance to the regional. Notre Dame coach Jeff Fisher had the rare problem of selecting a five-man lineup from a larger selection of golfers.
“You can’t put the cart before the horse,” Fisher said. “But if the kids play like they’re capable, then we should advance.”
Contact David Uchiyama at 423-757-6484 or at duchiyama@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/UchSports