Carson golf ready for zone

A year ago, Carson High's golf team won six straight tournaments during the Northern Nevada 4A season, but faded badly at the zone tournament and shot itself out of a chance to qualify for the state tournament.

The Senators find themselves in the same predicament entering today's 4A zone event on the Lakes course at Red Hawk. The first tee time is set for noon.

The top two teams and the top five individuals not on advancing teams will qualify for the state tournament at Sommerset in Reno next week.

Spanish Springs, led by Scott Kelly, Robert Perca and Zach Beebe, is the favorite entering the event. Carson, Galena, Fallon and Bishop Manogue will battle for the second spot.

"If the course isn't playing terribly difficult, we've got a great chance at doing it (making state)," Carson coach Rod Butler said. "I'm confident with the kids we're taking. Last year it was iffy. We weren't playing well.

"Some of the kids have played in tournaments (at Red Hawk) before. Two weeks ago after our tournament, a bunch of them went up there and played. Pretty much, they have all seen the course."

Carson's line-up includes Kevin Goles, Zach Rispin, Isaac Holt, Jon Singer, Sam Staub and Levi Taylor. Butler said there was some pretty tough decisions on the final three spots.

"Last week we had a big decision on who was going to go in the fourth, fifth and sixth spots," Butler said. "We looked at who was going to work hard on their game over the weekend and be ready to play on Monday (today).

"I feel good about our top three players (Goles, Rispin and Holt). I think the bottom three are all capable of shooting under 85. If the top guys do what they are capable of doing, we have a shot."

Butler said a good first day is imperative to his team's success.

"Today is a big day," Butler said. "That's what we did last year. We dug ourselves a huge hole that first day. If we come in under 410, we should be in the hunt for second place. If we want to compete for first place, we need to shoot under 390."

Carson has shot under 400 three times this season, once at Eagle Valley East, once at Silver Oak and once at Sierra Sage.