GHS golfers advance to state
By LARRY HILLIARD Ledger Sports Editor larry@gaffneyledger.com

Gaffney's Matthew Hopper tees off during Tuesday's Region II-4A tournament at Cherokee National. Hopper had the low individual score of 69-67 - 136.

It wasn't unexpected for the Gaffney High golf team to trail after the first 18 holes of the Region II-4A tournament at Cherokee National on Tuesday.

It was unexpected for the Indians to trail first-round leader Boiling Springs, though.

The Bulldogs shot a jaw-dropping 291 to take a nine-shot lead over the defending state and region champion Dorman Cavaliers and 10-stroke lead over the Indians. But Boiling Springs couldn't go wire-to-wire, stumbling over the final 18 holes.

Dorman and Gaffney took advantage of the Bulldogs' collapse to finish one-two and advance to the state tournament next month.

After shooting a first-round 300, Dorman closed with a sizzling 290 for a 36-hole team total - 590 and a four-shot victory over the Indians, who shot a more than respectable 301-293 - 594.

Gaffney coach Todd Coggins admitted he was concerned about the Bulldogs' hot start.

"I was real worried," Coggins said. "I didn't have them in the picture. I figured it would be us and Dorman."

He also figured that Gaffney's Matthew Hopper would have to play well for the Indians to have a chance.

He did. The budding star shot a 69-67 - for an amazing 8-under par 136 to capture medalist honors. He opened play on his second 18 with an eagle. He also eagled holes 11 and 15 to go along with 10 birdies.

He romped to an eight-stroke victory over second-place Will Ovenden of Dorman.

"Matthew works very hard at his game and he deserves it," Coggins said.

Seventh-grader Trey Taylor was another bright spot for the Indians. Taylor shot a 76- 74 - 150 and missed being selected to the alltournament team by a stroke.

Gaffney's Adam Goins had a tough day, shooting a first-round 83. He was replaced by senior Will Coggins, who shot a solid second round 76.

"It was just one of those days for Adam," Coggins said. "But Will helped us to beat Boiling Springs."

Gaffney's Daniel Whisenant played two strong rounds, shooting a 3-over 75 and a 4- over 76 for a 151.

"He hit the ball real well," Coggins said.

Gaffney's Phillip Rogers rebounded from an 81 to fire a second-round 76, including an eagle on hole No. 15.

Dorman stepped up its play over the final 18 holes and Gaffney found itself in an alltoo familiar spot - trying to make up ground on the champs. The Indians got as close as four strokes.

But Coggins said the Indians gained confi- dence with their showing.

""When we play our best, we can hang with Dorman," he said.

They'll get their chance to prove it May 5-6 at the state tournament at Furman University.

Notes ... The Gaffney High golf team extends its appreciation to Cherokee National golf pro Danny Agapion, greens superintendent Todd Roberson, SubStation II, Coca-Cola, Chickfil A and Bobby Beattie for their help in staging the tournament ... Coggins also extended his thanks to the fans who attended the tournament to cheer for the Indians.