Vickers leads Lions on links

By TONY STINNETT/Courier Sports Editor

Cannon County finished second in its first two golf matches of the fall season last week.

Hunter Vickers led the Lions in both matches, shooting a 42 at Macon County in the opener and following it up with a 35 at Upperman Tuesday (Aug. 6).

High school golf teams only play nine holes during the regular season.

“Hunter was consistent overall in both matches,” Cannon County boys golf coach Ronny Burks said. “Overall the team played well for the first two matches and if they continue to improve throughout the fall it will give us a chance to be a factor in the district tournament.”

The Lions opened against District 8-AA newcomer Macon County in a three-way match that also included Red Boiling Springs.

Macon County won the match with a 137, followed by Cannon County (176) and Red Boiling Springs.

Vickers led the Lions with a 42, followed by William Parker (43), newcomer Nick Vassar (45) and Jacob Nave (46). Briar Jakes (47) and Josh Ruehlen (49) played but their scores did not count toward the team total.

Cannon County came back with a stronger showing in a four-team match that included three District 8-AA teams at Upperman the following day.

Gordonsville won the match with a 168 but Cannon County (174) finished second and outscored fellow district members Upperman (180) and York (183).

Vickers led the Lions to the second-place finish with a 37. Vassar was second in scoring for the Lions with a 43, followed by Ruehlen and Parker, who each shot a 47. Jakes (50) and Nave (51) played but their scores did not count toward the team total.

Burks was pleased overall with the performance of his team in its first two matches. Five of the Lions’ six performers are returning players. Vassar is the lone newcomer and has already proven his worth by having his score count in both matches.