Pearson fires a 78 to lead Bulldogs at state

MOSCOW — Wyatt Pearson fired a 78 — one off his career-low — on Monday to lead the Sandpoint boys golf team on the first day of the 4A state golf championships at the University of Idaho Golf Course in Moscow.

Dan Sommerfield shot an 81, and Colton Story an 84 as Sandpoint finished with a 334 team score, which put them in ninth place out of 12 teams, but well within striking distance of a number of teams.

"I'm pleased that we're right in the middle of it, we were hoping to have a shot on the second day," said Sandpoint coach Mike Keough. "They didn't play as well as they could, but what gives them confidence is that they know that."

Pearson has steadily shaved strokes off his scores all season, and state marked the first time he has beaten teammate Dan Sommerfield since early in the season. Pearson will finish state golf today, come home, then promptly leave for Nampa to play in the state tennis tournament this weekend.

"Wyatt did very well," said Keough. "He said he putted really well. He felt like he made everything he needed to."

Moscow's Chris Williams carded a 71 for low round of the day, and Moscow, whom Sandpoint beat handily at districts last week, held a one-stroke lead over Sandpoint on their home course.

Today is the second day of the two-day tournament, and Sandpoint will be looking to pass a number of teams with a strong final round.

TEAM SCORES — 1, Pocatello 316, 2, Century 3, 322, 4, Middleton 5, 325, 6, Rigby 329, 7, Skyview 332, 8, Moscow 333, 9, Sandpoint 334, 10, Emmett 342, 11, Blackfoot 343, 12, Wood River 348.

INDIVIDUAL — 1, Chris Williams, Mos, 71. 2, Dillon Laan, Mid, 74. 3, tie, Zack Spain and Ryan Pearson, Mid, 76. 5, Josh Bork, Emt, 77. 6, Wyatt Pearson, Spt, 78.