Brandt leads way again
PASADENA — Aware that the greens had recently received maintenance, Johnny Brandt relied on recording quality approach shots.
For the second straight day, the strategy worked for the St. Francis High golfer.
Brandt carded a three-over-par 39 on Wednesday to help St. Francis record a 202-210 nonleague victory against Crescenta Valley at Brookside Golf Course No. 1.
“The greens were punched, probably in the last week, so I knew there wouldn’t be many birdies out there the last two days,” said Brandt, who shot a 39 on Tuesday in St. Francis’ 202-206 win against Crescenta Valley on the same course. “So, I had to be more aggressive with my approach shots to make things happen.
“There’s definitely good competition between the two teams and it’s always about pride. Hopefully, the two wins [against Crescenta Valley] will give us confidence and momentum going into out last four [Mission League] matches.”
St. Francis, which received a 39 from Nathan Han, improved to 7-6 and defeated Crescenta Valley for the third time this season. Crescenta Valley dropped to 6-5, getting a 40 from Paul Park.
The Golden Knights also got 40s from Jack Tenney and Michael Mozilo and a 44 from Vince De Pinto.
Adrian Chia of Crescenta Valley shot a 41 on Wednesday after earning medalist honors on Tuesday with a 36.
Patrick Kallas, David Moreno and Brandon Cho shots 43s for the Falcons.
“We are still a young team,” Falcons Coach John Pehar said. “They just seem to be a little short of scoring a few shots better than their opponents.
“They are capable of shooting in the 30s.”
St. Francis will next participate in the Lompoc Easter Tournament at 8 a.m. Monday at La Purisima Golf Course. Crescenta Valley will next compete in a nonleague match against La Cañada, which captured the Rio Hondo League championship last season, at 2:30 p.m. April 18 at Brookside Golf Course No. 1.
