Published: April 24, 2008 02:07 pm            

The end of a streak

Palestine misses out on state golf tournament

By SCOTT TYLER

H-P Sports Editor



HUNTSVILLE — The Palestine golf streak came to an end.

For the first time in four years, the Wildcats will not be making an appearance in the Class 3A state tournament after finishing third in the Class 3A-Region III tournament Wednesday at Raven’s Nest Golf Course.

“It is very disappointing,” Palestine coach Jamie Driskell said. “I hate it for the kids.”

Palestine was the three-time reigning regional championship and won the state title in 2005 and 2006 and finished second last season.

Palestine came into Wednesday’s second round trailing by eight strokes to Waco-Robinson but leading Gatesville by 10 strokes. Palestine struggled throughout the round as Gatesville made up the 10 stroke difference.

Waco-Robinson held on to win the regional tournament with a two-day total of 611 (299-312). Gatesville shot a 300 Wednesday to take second place with a 617. Palestine shot a 316 in the second round, falling six strokes behind Gatesville. The Wildcats had a two-day total of 623.

“Things got off to a wrong start and the wheels just came off,” Driskell said. “It was just hard for us to recover.

“My hat’s off to Gatesville, they had a great round today.”

J.C. Johnson and Kyle Woodard finished the front nine one-over par. On the eighth hole, Woodard had a big par save when he made a 10-foot putt that rolled around the cup before going in.

Jeremy Lambright was two-over par after the first nine holes. The senior putted from off the green for a birdie on six and then had another birdie on nine.

After the front nine, Palestine’s lead over Gatesville was cut to four strokes, but the Wildcats played well on the first few holes on the back nine.

But then, it started going downhill, and in a span of three holes, Gatesville surged ahead of Palestine and did not let the lead go after the players got through the 16th hole.

“I feel bad for our three seniors,” Driskell said of Austin Anderson, Lambright and Johnson. “They were the perfect example of the type of kids you want to coach in any sport.

“They are great kids and I want my son to be like those three seniors.”

Lambright, who was on the state title teams as a freshman and sophomore, finished with a 78 in the second round and a 153 for the tournament.

Anderson had a two-day total of 159 (75-84) and Johnson had a total of 161 (82-78).

Woodard, a junior, led the Wildcats with a 151 (76-75) and Garrett Johnson had a 181 (93-88).

“Kyle and Garrett need to use this as a learning experience,” Driskell said of the two players who will return next year. “It was a hard lesson to learn.”

The Palestine girls’ squad also competed in the regional tournament and finished with a two-day total of 956 (454-502).

Christy Cockrell had a 222 (104-118); Rebecca Taylor had a 236 (111-125); Loren Furgeson carded a 246 (118-128); Shea Bennett finished with a 252 (121-131) and Kady Rainer had a 274 (139-135).

        

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