FCHS golfers take second, third in regional competitions

Franklin County High School’s golf team earned a second-place finish in a four-team competition on Monday, April 4 at the Ole Brook course and then claimed third place on Wednesday, April 6 at Wolf Hollow in Wesson.

In Monday’s event, the Bulldogs finished with a combined score of 176, and were led by Kolby Cox, who shot a team-low 39.

In addition, Tim Hutto finished with a 45 while Jack Hutto and Kyle Walker both wound up with a 46. Drew Berryhill wrapped up his day with a 58.

Monday’s competition in Brookhaven pooled the four best individual scores for each team with Loyd Star finishing atop the leaderboard with a 149.

North Pike ended the day in third place with a 185 and Mendenhall was fourth with a 190.

The medalist on Monday at Ole Brook was Dawson Hester, who shot an impressive 31.

North Pike was led by Zach Boyd, who shot a 39, and Mendenhall’s Rhett Allen and Austin Warren both shot a team-best 45.

Two days later, the Bulldogs traveled to play in a three-team event at Copiah-Lincoln Community College and finished in third place overall.

Cox led FC with an 85 while Walker recorded an 89, Tim Hutto finished with a 99 and Preston Cupit wound up with a 100 — for a combined team score of 373.

Two others took part in the competition for Franklin County — Jack Hutto with a 109 and Parker Cupit with a 111.

Wesson finished first overall on Wednesday with a 357 and North Pike was second with a 366.

Wesson’s Harlan Brewer paced his team with an 86 and Billy Sanders led North Pike with an 87.

FCHS Golf Coach Jeff Long said his team is now focused on getting ready for district — with an eye toward advancing to the next level in the post-season.

“We will need a (team) score of 360 or lower to advance to state,” Long said.

Additionally, Long praised the efforts of Walker on the links, saying he had stepped up for the Bulldogs this past week.

“He is a ‘grinder’ and finds a way to post a decent score for the team,” Long continued.

“He’s a competitor who realizes that every stroke counts, stays focused on the next shot and doesn’t get down on himself after a poor shot.”

Franklin County was slated to play in district-level competition on Monday, April 11 at Sunkist Country Club in Biloxi.

“District is much tougher this year with teams like Saint Patrick, Saint Stanislaus and Wesson,” Long said. “We know what we have to do as a team to advance to state. Individuals can also advance if they finish first or second with a score of 84 or better.”