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At full strength, Leopards roll

With its full squad together for the first time, Hernando defeats Springstead by 26 strokes.

By BRANT JAMES, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published September 18, 2002

SPRINGSTEAD -- Together for the first time this season, Hernando solidified itself as the most dangerous 2-4 team on the North Suncoast on Tuesday, walloping Springstead 160-186.

Junior Fred Farmer, playing in his first match of the season, medaled for the Leopards with 2-over 37 in nine holes. He edged teammate Keegan Ledford (38) and the Eagles' Mario DeAngelis (39).

"We have everybody back, and I think we're going to be okay now," Ledford said. "I don't think we have any reason to worry."

Hernando's victory was provided not by its top two scorers, but by superior depth. Ryan Armstrong (42) and James Meier (43) adequately filled out the Leopards' other two scoring spots. The 0-5 Eagles supported DeAngelis with 49s by Mike Rachesky, Mike Belle and Scott Edwards.

Farmer's return from an undisclosed disciplinary suspension gave Hernando its full complement of players for the first time. Farmer, a state qualifier as a freshman, said he was unhappy with his performance.

But he was a major boost. Without his score, the Leopards would have kept Brent Lowman's 46 on their score sheet.

"I struck the ball poorly but tended to hit the green," Farmer said. "I got away with a lot of things.

"I hit a lot of shots real skinny, but they went at the pin. I was able to make a lot of pars."

Ledford missed two matches and Meier four because of disciplinary reasons, but coach Pete Lahey said he believes the group is ready to progress.

The Gulf Coast Athletic Conference tournament is scheduled for Silverthorn Country Club in Brooksville, and Hernando should be better equipped to defend its title.

"I'm hoping they understand this is the part of the season that gets us prepared for conference," Lahey said. "And the next prepares us for districts."

Farmer, waiting with Ledford and Lahey for the rest of the Leopards to finish Tuesday, said he believes Hernando will be just fine.

"We're not going to lose anymore, Coach," he said.

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