Demons sweep district titles

IOWA CITY - A parent told the Washington boys golf team to smile like champions, and the Demons earned the right to grin from ear to ear.

They also provided plenty reason for their friends and family to grin as well.

The Demons swept the individual and team titles at the Iowa High School Athletic Association Class 3A district meet Friday at Finkbine Golf Course. Washington posted a 322 team score, led by medalist Joseph Harris' 74, to qualify for their third-straight state meet, which will be held May 28-29 at The Harvester Golf Club in Rhodes.

"I'm really proud with how they played," Washington Coach Mark Berhow said. "They did a great job managing the course."

Harris' round garnered a lot of amazement from people glancing at the large scorecards outside of the clubhouse. On a day where scores under 40 were rare, Harris managed to card a 39 on the front nine, but was even more impressive on the back nine with a 1-under-par 35.

The round wasn't an anomoly. Harris shot 74 in a practice round last Saturday. He had more to shoot a similar number, hoping to give his team an essential low score.

"I knew my team would really need a score, especially on a course like Finkbine," Harris said. "I felt as long as I could get in the top four, where I could go to state individually anyway, then I'd be sure the team would get there, too."

It was hard to ignore a pair of deuces on the scorecard of Harris. The first came on the No. 4 hole. Harris drained a putt from more than 30 feet away for a birdie on the 163-yard par-3.

"I sunk it in," Harris said. "I had the line down perfect and the speed was perfect. It was just perfectly read."

The next was even more exciting fashion. Harris hit his tee shot about 80 yards from the green on the 357-yard par-4 12th hole. With an uphill lie and unable to see the hole, Harris hit a wedge that landed 15 feet short, bounced and then spun back into the hole.

He had to rely on his dad, who motioned to him that it went in the cup.

"I was really happy," Harris said. "When you get an eagle at district, that's really important. Not just for you but for the team."

Harris said he felt uncomfortable with his swing, but couldn't quite pinpoint the cause early. He adjusted his swing a little bit and then caught fire after the turn, going as low as 4-under par on the back and adding birdies on No. 11 and No. 15.

"I think I got it down on the back nine," said Harris, noting something was amiss with his lower-body. "Once I got that down everything started to go a little more in sync for me."

The golf season wouldn't have seemed the same unless it ended at the state meet. Harris hasn't missed the state tournament as a prep. He said he's glad to get a chance to compete for a title again.

"It's really good to go back again, knowing you have another chance," Harris said. "Everytime I just want to get better individually, because I haven't performed at my full potential at state and now I have another chance to do it."

The Demons winning performance was far from a one-man show. Each of their six scores would have counted for the other five teams. Freshman Dillon de Parrott carded an 82, while Alex Thode and Kaleb Rich, the lone senior on the team, each added an 83.

Depth and balance propelled Washington in the team race. In recent competitions, the Demons have used scores from all six golfers.

Berhow stressed perseverence to his team. The Demons responded by closing strong, overcoming a six-shot deficit to Williamsburg after each team completed nine holes.

"We did what we needed to do and finished," Berhow said. "That was a big key for us."

Washington is hoping to continue to climb the ladder at state. They have finished fourtha dn third the last two years.

"We have as goosd a shot as anybody. There's no real favorite," Berhow said. "Now that we're there we have a great opportunity to be successful there."

Williamsburg will make its first state meet appearance since 1991. The Raiders claimed runner-up honors with a 328. Senior Brandon Davis claimed runner-up medalist honors with a 77, one shot better than third-place teammate Corbin Blythe.

"They've worked hard all year," Williamsburg Coach Brad Schaefer said. "We're very excited and happy for Brandon, a senior who was the runner-up, and Corbin, a freshman. Those two have led us all the way. Outstanding scores (Wednesday)."

The Raiders experienced a little sweet revenge, placing ahead of DeWitt Central which beat Williamsburg for the Wamac title. Williamsburg was better when it counted most.

"They set the goals high," Schaefer said about the Raiders determined to reach the state meet. "They're very deserving."

Marion placed third, led by Jordan Rausch's 81. Grinnell's Zach McGriff qualified for the state meet, placing fourth with an 80.