JEKYLL ISLAND — Davis Weaver could not hide the disappointment, but when he thought about it for a second, the Gainesville High senior golfer also could not walk off the course on Tuesday without a sense of pride.
No, Weaver and his teammates could not capture the Class 6A state title at Jekyll Island's Pine Lakes Course -- Johns Creek maintained its day one lead to claim the crown. But even after finishing third, the Red Elephants knew it was an end to an impressive season and, for several team members, an impressive varsity career.
"It's been an amazing four years; I'm proud of everything we've accomplished. I'm really going to miss my teammates and coaches," said Weaver, who fired a 1-over-par 73 on Tuesday as Gainesville finished with a 588 over two days -- 14 shots off the blistering pace set by the Gladiators, who won with a 574. Creekview also stormed down the stretch to card a 587 and finish second.
"Every time I put on this (Gainesville) shirt it's a great feeling; it's almost like I have super powers."
Certainly the Red Elephants' four seniors have seemed untouchable at times with 530 wins, 67 losses and 10 ties over their combined careers -- including a 154-12-2 mark this season that saw Gainesville claim four team titles and finish fifth or higher in all 11 tourneys competed.
Regardless, Tuesday's result hurt, as the Red Elephants opened the day just three shots behind Johns Creek. But windy conditions and the vagaries of the game provided a tough finish -- by Gainesville's lofty standards -- as the Red Elephants missed out on their first state championship since 2013.
"You're not always going to play your best," said Weaver, who is going to play for North Georgia. "It was a windy day out there, and that made it tough."
Freshman Andrew Hughes provided Gainesville's top score on the day and the tournament, finishing Tuesday with a 2-under 70 and an even-par 144 for the tournament. Sophomore Zayne Hilderbrand was just behind with a combined 147. Weaver finished at 149, and Ryan Hogan carded a two-day 150.
"I'm disappointed because the kids are disappointed," Red Elephants coach Bryson Worley said. "We've got a pretty dang good golf team, but we just didn't play great today. That's how we are, we expect to try and win every tournament. But 6A is the toughest class by far, and I'm really proud of where these guys came from to where they are now.
"Our seniors have been great, and they will be missed. But we're also excited about the future."
WHITE COUNTY'S CATIE CRAIG INDIVIDUAL CHAMP
The Lady Warriors' Catie Craig finished as the individual Class 4A champ in a weather-shortened tournament at Innsbruck Golf Club in Helen. Craig scorched the course with a 2-over-par 74 on Monday. It wound up being enough for a championship, as the inclement weather forced officials to shorten the tournament to one day.
Caroline Craig also finished sixth after carding a 79.
White County was third as a team, as Woodward Academy won the event, 11 strokes ahead of the Lady Warriors.
NORTH HALL'S KALLAB 15th; UNION GIRLS 4th
The Trojans Michael Kallab finished 15th overall in the Class 3A championships at Cateechee Golf Club in Hartwell. Kallab carded back-to-back rounds of 77 to post a 154.
Kallab's performances helped North Hall's boys to finish 11th overall.
Meanwhile, Dawson County's Jeremiah Crumley tied for 25th with a two-day 161.
In the girls 3A championships, Union County finished fourth with a total of 523 -- Rutland's 485 won the tournament. North Hall was also ninth with a 604. Dawson County was 12th (632).
The Lady Panthers' Allison Horinek put up a two-day 161 to finish seventh individually, while Sydney Morgan paced the Lady Tigers with a 175 to finish 13th. Lyric Sanford fired a 193 to lead North Hall.
GAINESVILLE GIRLS SEVENTH
The Lady Red Elephants finished inside the top 10 at the Class 6A girls tournament at Jekyll Island's Indian Mounds Course.
Gainesville carded a 535. Northview won the tournament at 466.
Morgan Nichol paced the Lady Red Elephants with a two-day 169, including an 83 on Tuesday.
BUFORD GIRLS 7th; ROBERTS 9th INDIVIDUALLY
The Lady Wolves fired a team score 579 to take seventh in the Class 5A girls tournament at Braelinn Golf Club in Peachtree City.
Kamryn Roberts shot a 81 on Tuesday to finish with a two-day 171 and take ninth individually.
Meanwhile, the Flowery Branch girls were 11th at 648.
The Buford boys also finished ninth (668) in the boys 5A championships at Planterra Ridge Club in Peachtree City.
TOWNS BOYS 3rd; COMMERCE GIRLS 3rd
The Indians fired a 332 to take third place in the Class A Public championships at Double Oaks Golf Club in Commerce. Chase Williams paced Towns County, finishing seventh with a two-day total of 154.
Commerce's boys also finished ninth as a team (733). Josh Campbell paced the Tigers in 12th individually with a two-day 168.
And in the Class A Public girls championship at Reynolds at Lake Oconee the Commerce girls third finished with a 344. McKenzie McRee played her way to third place, shooting a two-day 171.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2018/5/673448/state-golf-championship-rounds