By: John Murray
Lafayette Hill, PA - With a thunderstorm looming, the La Salle Explorers took on St. Joseph’s Prep at Whitemarsh Valley Country Club on Monday afternoon. Due to the heavy rains over the weekend, the course was very wet causing the coaches to play a unique format of holes called “the high nine." This format consisted of the highest holes on the property being played with the teams finishing at the 18th hole.
With the Covid-19 pandemic making high school sports difficult in the past year, these teams didn’t get to experience competing for their school very much.
This being the first match for St. Joseph’s Prep and the second match for La Salle, the teams were anxious to get their seasons off on the right note. St. Joseph’s Prep head coach Matthew Brennan said that his team is prepared and ready for the new season.
“I think we are as ready as we can be. A lot of our guys play in GAP and Philly Junior Tour events," said Brennan. "So, I think a bunch of them have competitive experience which will really help.”
La Salle head coach Martin Jackson responded similarly, and said there is a lot of competitive talent on his team this season.
“We need bulldogs, and I think we have some," said Jackson. "We will have tremendous competition between our team for our top eight spots and then down to our top five. Certainly, today's a big match with the Prep."
Both teams putting before their round
With both teams’ coach’s approaching this year with optimism, the focus shifts to the competitors.
See videos below, as La Salle seniors, Darren Nolan and Luke Corcoran talk about their pre-season practice regimes and note how their second league match vs. St. Joe's Prep was important to prove, not only to themselves but to others, that they can be competitive with any team this season.
La Salle Senior Darren Nolan said this was a "statement match":
La Salle Senior Luke Corcoran talks about his pre-season prep:
With the impending rain yesterday afternoon, one could tell the players were ready to get out and play as quickly as possible. The damp conditions made the course play a little safer, allowing for some low scores. There were many birdie looks at the crowded short ninth hole, giving a spot for the players to show off their skills, and for St. Joseph’s Prep fans to watch and follow the action.
The Explorers were able to come out on top with a final score of 121-135, led by two rising juniors. Kevin Lafond came in with an impressive 1-under par performance, clearly making the most of the wet conditions. Will Huntley also was even par before the weather finally caught up to them forcing the end of play. Their competitors played strong with two St. Joseph’s Prep sophomores and a senior leading the scores. Hawk's senior Stephan Cain and sophomore Aidan Farkas both rolled out 2-over par finishes and sophomore Jack Dare led the team with an even par day, certainly taking advantage of the soft conditions.
Highlights from the Course
Although early in the season, the La Salle Explorers and St. Joseph's Prep Hawks are two Philadelphia Catholic League standouts who will surely be in contention for a league title at the end of the Fall.
(Contact Johnny Murray: jmurr56@hotmail.com for corrections, or share PCL/Inter-Ac golf news & updates)