Eagles come out firing

Jacobs’ Scott Cahill watches his drive Monday at Randall Oaks in West Dundee. Cahill shot a 1-under-par 35 as Jacobs beat Crystal Lake South, 148-152. (Nick Dentamaro – ndentamaro@nwherald.com)

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WEST DUNDEE – In a matchup of two of the top three boys golf teams in the Fox Valley Conference from a year ago, Jacobs proved its elite status by edging Crystal Lake South,
148-152, on Monday at Randall Oaks.

The Golden Eagles’ Josh Kopka led all golfers with a 2-under-par 34, and junior Scott Cahill shot a 35.

“It wasn’t my best outing, but I just hung in there with what I had,” Cahill said. “I struck the ball really well today, but I felt my putting wasn’t as sharp.

“Hopefully, the best is yet to come.”

Jeff Eaton added a 38, and Joe Swanson shot a 41 to round out the top scorers for the Eagles (6-1, 6-1).

Cahill said he was impressed by his team’s effort and persistence during the past few weeks.

“The whole team is working hard, and it’s showing in the results,” Cahill said. “Josh [Kopka] is playing extremely well of late, and he continues to improve every time out.”

Despite losing the match, the Gators (5-2, 5-2) showed they could hang with the FVC’s best.

“It’s hard to win when [Jacobs] posts a one-two punch of 34 and a 35,” South coach Curt Wadlington said. “Give their guys credit.

“We were hoping to get the win, but we cannot be disappointed with the scores we had today.”

Crystal Lake South was led by sophomore Nick Robles, who shot a 35. After starting the first two holes bogey-bogey, Robles was able to make quick adjustments and finish strong.

“I started off real shaky on the first two holes, but I never lost my focus,” Robles said.

“I just stayed calm and gave myself opportunities to bounce back.

“Starting with the third hole, I kept telling myself to stay low and drive the ball hard. It worked out pretty well in the end.”

Robles was one of three Gators to shoot in the 30s. Mike DiGrazia shot a 38, and Scott Stalo added a 39.

“With every outing, each golfer can find one or two strokes that they’d like to take away and do over again,” Wadlington said. “It’s just a matter of fine-tuning those mistakes as you head into your next outing.”