Dyer County, Dyersburg have strong showings at Kickoff Classic

Dyer County's Seaton Clutts (right) replaces his ball before a putt during the annual DHS Kickoff Classic at The Farms in Dyersburg on Monday.

Photo/Jason Peevyhouse

By JASON PEEVYHOUSE

Sports Editor

As the high school golf season entered its third week on Monday, teams from across West Tennessee met at The Farms in Dyersburg for the annual DHS Kickoff Classic.

Lady Trojan Stella Madden chips onto the green during the Kickoff Classic.

Photo/Jason Peevyhouse

Locally, both boys teams faired well during the 18-hole day. Dyer County placed fourth overall among the 14-team field, scoring a combined 330 on the day. The Choctaws were three strokes off third-place Union City's pace. Westview won with an overall score of 306 while Jackson Christian came in second with a 308.

Seth LaRue led the way for the Choctaws with a 79, good for ninth overall on the day. Seaton Clutts was two strokes behind him with an 81, tying for 11th overall. Hoss Harrison came off the course with an 84 while Ryan DeSpain finished with an 86.

The Lady Choctaw girls took third place on the day with 189. Trinity Christian took first with a 182 while Scott's Hill claimed second with a 184.

Dyer County was led by Kennedy Hill, who shot a 92 on the day while Josie Ferguson scored a 97.

First-year Dyer County Head Coach Lyle LaRue shared what he has seen in his team over the past couple of weeks.

“We've got some talent and we're inconsistent at times but that's to be understood during the first week or two of the season,” LaRue said. “Everybody is trying to get their game in shape. Some people get to play more during the summer.

“We've got a large boys team – varsity and junior varsity. We're fighting for seeding right now on the travel team. That's who represents you in the district tournament and, hopefully, the region tournament. We've got a month to figure that out.”

The boys have seen Hoss Harrison and Seth LaRue lead the way with Harrison taking two top medalist honors and LaRue claiming another.

“We were 3-1 heading into the Kickoff Classic,” LaRue added.

Seaton Klutts and Anthony Jimenez are the Choctaws' two seniors.

On the girls side, the trio of talented Lady Choctaw juniors – Hill, Lily Flagg, and Ferguson – have been taking turns leading the team in scoring.

“That's always good,” LaRue said. “It shows some balance and they won all their matches during the first two weeks.”

Looking at goals, the Choctaw head coach said he feels teams set a goal of making the state tournament and work back from there.

“It's a little harder to make the state because they've narrowed it down to one team out of the region and three individuals,” LaRue pointed out. “If you want to make the state, that's what you have to do. You have to be the best team out of about 20 teams in the region. It's a hard deal, especially with the Clarksville region.

“This year, looks like state tournament or bust. And, if not, just make it as far as we can.”

Dyersburg boys were just 13 strokes behind the Choctaws, finishing in sixth with a 343 behind Scott's Hills 335 on the day.

John David Morris led the way for the Trojans with an 81, tying three other golfers in 11th. Ryan Wesson and Brett Horner each scored 87s while Jace Ellerbrook finished the day with an 88.

The Dyersburg duo of Maddie Kate Wells and Stella Madden finished Monday's round with a combined 228. Madden shot a 104 while Wells came off the course with a 124.

Dyersburg's boys enter this season after reaching the state tournament as a team for the first time in school history last season.

There are pieces back this season as Dyersburg Head Coach Kavin Carr pointed out.

“John David Morris and Ryan Wesson, who went to state last year, are leading the way this year,” Carr said. “We've got some newcomers as well.

“Jace Ellerbrook joined us this season and he's moved into the third spot followed by Brett Horner, who is also a sophomore. Freshman Ayden Jones is also doing well.”

At this point in the season, Carr explained the fourth and fifth spots are still kind of open.

“We've got a lot of promise,” Carr added. “Looking hopeful that we'll make a decent run again this season.”

Entering the third week of regular-season play, the Trojan head coach said his team is beginning to get a little more consistent.

“They're not just getting out there hitting and hoping,” Carr said. “They're planning their shots and really beginning to dial it in a bit better.

“They started out in the 50s and 40s. Now, we're honing it in on some lower 40s. We're doing pretty good in that regard.”

Carr added the goal for the boys is to reach state as a team again.

“That bar is set,” Carr added. “We've got two that are hungry to pass that on. With the youthfulness of it, that's one thing. And, that makes it all the much sweeter and get the experience of it. They know what to expect going back this year and improving on their scores from last year.”

On the girls side, the Lady Trojans have a pair of golfers to make a team this season.

“Stella Madden, a freshman, is leading the way right now,” Carr said. “Then, we've got Maddie Kate Wells, who has a lot of years under her belt. She's doing much better this year as well.

“We'll look into making a run as far as district goes. And, if not, maybe putting an individual into region.”