JACKSON, CAPE CENTRAL GOLFERS FALL SHORT OF STATE

FARMINGTON -- Every day is a completely new adventure in the game of golf.

The Jackson High Indians found that out much to their chagrin Wednesday at the Class 4A, District 1 Tournament at St. Francois Country Club.

Two days after winning the 16-team large school division of the Farmington Tournament on the same course, Jackson saw its state team hopes evaporate as it tied for fourth-place in the nine-team field.

Sikeston, which won with a 309 team total, and runner-up Poplar Bluff (322) advanced to the Missouri Class 4A State Golf Championships, to be held May 15-16 at A.L. Gustin in Columbia. Oakville placed third with 328 and Jackson, Northwest and Mehlville all finished with 330. Farmington placed seventh at 333; Cape Central was eighth at 370; and Fox was ninth at 373.

Jackson's Chris Pike was among the top 10 players to advance to state for the individual competition.

Pike shot a 4-over-par 76 to lead the way for the Indians. Peyton Sims carded an 81 and was followed by Brett McDowell (86) and Matt Litzelfelner (87) and Kyle Perry (87).

"We didn't play very well at all," said Jackson coach Ron Cook. "Chris Pike did, but the rest of the guys didn't shoot well. We ended up tied for fourth. I thought we should've done better than that. We just won the best ball tournament. But I was real proud of the kids this year. I'm more disappointed for them than myself. But we've got a lot of young kids coming back."

The Tigers also struggled as Nick Harter led Cape Central with an 89. The Tigers' other team scores belonged to Luke Oliver (90), Josh Miller (95) and Dusty York (96).

"We didn't do very well," said Cape Central coach Dick Wadlington. "We were a little higher than we've been playing all year."

Sikeston's Brandon DeWitt was the tournament's medalist with a 74.

St. Vincent wins triangular

HERCULANEUM -- St. Vincent turned in an impressive performance in its final tune-up for Friday's district meet, posting a 25-stroke victory in clinching the Jefferson County Conference title.

The Indians recorded a 151 total to easily outdistance Festus (176) and Herculaneum (181) at the par-36 Jocachum Country Club.

"That was our best road score we've shot in many, many years," said St. Vincent coach Tom Prost, who saw his team improve to 12-1 in the conference and 14-2 overall.

Jon Paulus was medalist with a 36 and was followed by Craig Schumer (37), Wes Richardet (37) and Adam Prost (41).

"To get that many kids shooting in the 30's on a road course is something," said Prost. "Hopefully we can duplicate some of those scores on Friday."

St. Vincent will compete in the Class 1A, District 1 Tournament Friday at Viburnum Country Club.