The golf courses are different, the scoring is different and the competition is different.

Moving to the KVAC should be no big deal for the Twin Cities’ two public schools, right?

“It’ll be interesting, that’s for sure,” said Lewiston High School golf coach Don Jalbert. “We’re excited to be able to see some new courses, though. That’s a good thing.”

Lewiston and rival Edward Little made the switch to the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference this season, and along with that shift comes a pressure of sorts to perform well.

“Obviously you want to be able to do well,” said Jalbert. “We think we have a pretty good team this year, and we’d like to think we’ll be near the top.”

The competition, with Lewiston and Edward Little added, should be a bit tighter this year as well. Mt. Blue, a perennial contender in KVAC Class A, again is loaded from top to bottom. Last year, the Cougars advanced to the playoffs with an 11-1 regular season record, only to falter in state qualifying at Natanis, falling two strokes short.

This year’s edition of the Cougars is a mirror image of last year. No golfers graduated or left, leaving a talented group of title-hungry players.

Leavitt had a tough team last year at 9-3 but lost perhaps its best golfer to the football team, leaving a big void near the top. Class B

For Ed Zuis and Oak Hill, the goal is up. After a 2-7 mark last season, Oak Hill wants to find its way back to .500 first, maybe even into the KVAC-B playoffs. Standing in the Raiders’ way will be a strong entry from Camden Hills and another from Winslow, two perennial golf powers that have owned the KVAC in recent years.

Belfast will also be a tough team to watch, while Maranacook can’t be overlooked, either. The Black Bears have a new home course at Turner Highlands and could prove tough to beat there.

After a season at around .500, the Black Bears return nearly every impact golfer and should move toward the top this season.

Copy the Story Link